Chilblain lupus erythematosus: report of 15 cases

In this retrospective study, the authors describe the clinical, histologic and laboratory features of 15 cases of chilblain or perniotic lupus. In winter, the patients (14 women, 1 man) develop chilblain-like lesions, chiefly in the toes (8 times) and fingers (11 times). Histologic features are identical to those of discoid lupus erythematosus. The damaged skin gives a positive fluorescent band test. Usually, these lesions occur in association with discoid lupus of the face. However, in 8 patients, they were the only cutaneous sign of lupus. This form of lupus can evolve to a systemic form, as was the case with 3 patients.