Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a common disease. It presents with various adverse symptoms, including widespread and symmetrical skin lesions that often involve the shoulder joints, upper back, and neck. Other manifestations may also occur. Timely and targeted treatment is essential for subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Let's explore the early symptoms of this disease.

Early Symptoms of Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

The early symptoms of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus include widespread and symmetrical skin lesions that often involve the shoulder joints, upper arms, upper back, and neck. The lesions initially appear as small erythematous papules with mild desquamation, and two similarly shaped lesions may fuse into a larger one. These erythematous papules can develop into scaly lesions with surface desquamation or spread peripherally to form annular rashes that eventually fuse into multiple annular shapes. Grayish pigment loss, capillary dilation, and superficial scales are commonly seen in the center of the annular lesions, surrounded by erythema. Occasionally, small vesicles may appear at the edges of the lesions. After the lesions resolve, pigment loss and capillary dilation may persist. Pigment loss often persists for several months and eventually disappears, while capillary dilation may persist for a longer period. The disease does not leave scars, and the desquamation and hair follicle plugging are relatively mild, short-lived, and widely distributed. The lesions tend to fuse, forming larger lesion areas with prominent pigment changes. After the acute inflammation resolves, the pigment loss may persist for several months but is reversible without dermal atrophy. More than half of the cases are associated with diffuse non-scarring alopecia. Forty percent of patients may develop soft palate mucosal lesions, which are particularly common in those with significant systemic manifestations. A few cases may present with reticulate erythema and periungual capillary changes. About one-fifth of cases may develop scarring lesions characteristic of discoid lupus erythematosus, often located on the scalp and occurring many years before the appearance of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Almost all patients have mild systemic manifestations, with the most common being joint pain, unexplained fever, and general discomfort.

What is Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus?

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a form of lupus erythematosus characterized by annular erythema or papular scaly rashes, often accompanied by mild to moderate systemic symptoms. It falls between systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lupus erythematosus in terms of severity.

Daily Care

1. Avoid alcohol and excessive fatigue.
2. If you are allergic to sunlight, apply sunscreen or take other sun protection measures when outdoors to avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight.
3. Avoid getting chilled, catching a cold, or developing other infections.