[Cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Part 1: clinical manifestations and classification]

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a heterogenous disorder with a wide range of skin manifestations. Therefore, it has been difficult to develop a unifying concept for classifying CLE from the dermatologic perspective in the past. In 2004, the classification system was updated and includes now acute CLE (ACLE), subacute CLE (SCLE), chronic CLE (CCLE), and intermittent CLE (ICLE). Additional rarely described variants are not listed as separate entities but are included in the classical forms. Diagnosis of the different subtypes of CLE is made by considering genetic, clinical, histopathologic, and immunoserologic findings, with a systematic analysis of individual criteria. In the past years, the etiology and pathogenesis of CLE has been subject of intensive research and it has been shown by several groups that exogenous factors, such as ultraviolet light and drugs, can induce CLE. The first part of this review will enable the reader to identify the various clinical manifestations of CLE and to employ characteristic criteria to assess differential diagnostic considerations.