Lupus tumidus

Lupus tumidus is a rare subtype of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus that was first described by Gougerot and Bournier in 1930. Clinically, lupus tumidus presents as smooth, shiny, red-violet plaques of the head and neck that may be pruritic and have a fine scale. These lesions characteristically clear without scarring and recur in their original distribution. Histologic features include superficial and deep lymphohistiocytic infiltrates and abundant dermal deposits of mucin. We describe lupus tumidus as a distinct form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus and report 4 cases.