Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (Q64572)

Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is closely associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and double-stranded DNA antibodies. Its hallmark is the “butterfly” rash across the face occurring in half of patients with systemic lupus. There may however be widespread involvement of the skin with patchy erythema, oedema and, in fulminant cases, blistering and epidermal necrosis. Photosensitivity is prominent and exposure to ultraviolet radiation may trigger flares not only in the skin but also in internal organs. Non-scarring alopecia is common.