Acute Generalized Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Repeatedly Mistaken for Cellulitis

Generalized acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a young female

“…4 Considering its rarity, generalized ACLE may be missed or mistakenly diagnosed as one of a number of other conditions: • Drug-induced photosensitivity, for which a history of initiation of a photosensitizing drug must be present • Dermatomyositis, which is diagnosed based on the presence of skin fi ndings such as heliotrope rash, Gottron sign and papules, and shawl sign 5 • Pemphigus erythematosus, which is excluded if there is involvement of any other organ besides the skin • Atopic dermatitis, which is diagnosed after taking a careful history and performing a physical examination that reveals the presence of chronic lesions and a history of other atopic conditions. 6 This makes it imperative for clinicians to be aware of such rare disease presenta-tions and familiarize themselves with the essential diagnostic criteria for optimal management. ■ ■ DISCLOSURES…”