Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease with multifactorial
etiology. Although clinical manifestations are varied, the skin is an important
target-organ, which contributes to the inclusion of skin lesions in 4 out of the 17
new criteria for the diagnosis of the disease, according to the Systemic Lupus
International Collaborating Clinics. The cutaneous manifestations of lupus are
pleomorphic. Depending on their clinical characteristics, they can be classified into
Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, Chronic
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and Intermittent Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus.
Treatment is based on preventive measures, reversal of inflammation, prevention of
damage to target organs and relief of adverse events due to pharmacological therapy.
The most commonly used treatment options are topical, systemic and surgical
treatment, as well as phototherapy. The correct handling of the cases depends on a
careful evaluation of the morphology of the lesions and the patient's general status,
always taking into consideration not only the benefits but also the side effects of
each therapeutic proposal.