Opinion statement Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune skin disease that can present with or without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Managing CLE is important in order to reduce potential and established areas of damage, as well as improve quality of life (QOL). Non-drug therapy should be used in every case, which includes photoprotection, smoking cessation, and avoiding drugs that can trigger or exacerbate the disease. Topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors are often used in addition to lifestyle changes. Antimalarials are first-line systemic therapies, with hydroxychloroquine being the drug of choice. Quinacrine can be added to hydroxychloroquine for greater efficacy in hydroxychloroquine-refractory patients, and chloroquine can be used in place of hydroxychloroquine in patients who are unable to tolerate hydroxychloroquine. Second-line therapies include oral retinoids, immunosuppressives, immunomodulators, biologics, and pulsed dye laser. Systemic steroids may be necessary when bridging therapies but should normally be avoided due to their side effects. There is a paucity of high quality evidence with regard to management of cutaneous lupus, making it challenging to determine an appropriate treatment in refractory cases. Trials on existing therapies as well as new therapies are necessary in order to better treat patients with CLE.