Lupus erythematosus: systemic and cutaneous manifestations
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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
Naomi Rothfield1, Richard D Sontheimer, Megan Bernstein
1Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, 06030, USA. rothfield@nso.uchc.edu
Abstract:
Skin and joint involvements are the most commonly occurring manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. There are 3 forms of cutaneous lupus: chronic cutaneous (discoid) lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus, and acute cutaneous lupus. Joint manifestations are usually not associated with warmth of the joints and may be only associated with pain and swelling. Painful or swollen joints respond rapidly to small or moderate doses of corticosteroids, whereas cutaneous manifestations usually respond to antimalarial drugs. Anti-Ro is associated closely with a photosensitive rash and with subacute lupus.
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