Lupus is a chronic and problematic autoimmune disorder that tends to affect several organs as well as systems within the body. In lupus, the immune system of the body attacks the cells resulting in a variety of different symptoms. Lupus may affect the skin and cause skin lesions and cutaneous lupus as it is known, may affect women in the age group of 20 to 50 years. This form of lupus is often induced by sunlight.

Cutaneous lupus has three varieties which include chronic cutaneous lupus, acute cutaneous lupus and subacute cutaneous lupus. CCLE as it is known, may include discoid lupus wherein the lesions have a coin like shape and these tend to appear in the form of red, scaly patches on the nose, cheeks as well as ears. In some cases these lesions may also be observed on dorsum of hands, upper back and v area of the neck. These rashes are not painful or itchy and in some cases they may resolve and cause increased or reduced pigmentation on those areas along with atrophy of the skin.

Subacute cutaneous lupus includes papulosquamous lesions along with annular lesions. Annular lesions tend to be ring shaped and have scaling on the edge. There is no itching in these lesions and they tend to appear on chest along with upper back and neck areas. In some cases they may also be seen on face as well as arms. Papulosquamos lesions tend to be red and scaly patches that look similar to psoriasis. Research seems to suggest that subacute variety of lupus tends to occur among genetically predisposed individuals.

Exposure to UV-B light may cause development of subacute cutaneous lupus and other factors that may induce the disease or exacerbate, it include specific drugs like hydrocholorothiazide. In case of acute cutaneous lupus patients tend to experience flat red patches in specific areas like cheeks as well as nose. This rash also known as butterfly rash, looks like a sunburn with the wings shaped eruption on the cheeks and the body, seen on the nose bridge. In some cases flat red patches may also be observed on the legs, trunk and arm areas. The lesions in this case are photo sensitive and so the rashes can be observed on the sun exposed areas. These rashes do not scar, though there might be changes in the pigmentation. Oral ulcers, temporary hair loss and hives may also be some other symptoms that may be observed.

Several treatments can be followed for cutaneous lupus and sunscreens play an important part in providing adequate protection to the patients from UVA as well as UBV rays. It is important for patients suffering from this form of lupus to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen (atleast SPF 30) every 2 hours. UV exposure in peak hours (10am to 2 pm) should be avoided. Corticosteroid creams may be prescribed along with corticosteroid injections. For acute cutaneous lupus, patients may be prescribed with immunosuppressive drugs such as prednisone. In case of widespread lesions, antimalarial pills may be prescribed. It is important to carefully evaluate the condition of the patient before prescribing drugs as many of them can have side effects.