Skin Manifestations in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Skin manifestations are one of the most common presenting symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Skin lesions are seen in more than 80% of patients with SLE at some point during the disease and are also the initial manifestations. The skin manifestations of SLE are varied. Skin lesions of SLE include lupus malar rash, maculopapular lupus rashes, palmar erythemas, bullous rashes, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, chilblain lupus and discoid rashes. These skin lesions can be classified as acute, subacute, and chronic lesions. Specific skin lesions are important for the diagnosis of SLE. This review will outline and illustrate the skin lesions of SLE.