Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Definition

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a non-scarring form of lupus erythematosus typified by the presence of circulating anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and discoid or annular inflamed red patches with variable fine scaling on sun-exposed skin, especially the sides of the face and neck, the vee of the neck, the extensor surfaces of the upper arms and the upper back: in contrast with systemic lupus erythematosus the cheeks tend to be spared. Visceral disease is less frequent than in systemic lupus erythematosus: renal involvement is rare and mild.

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