Lupus profundus in children: treatment with hydroxychloroquine

Discoid lupus erythematosus and lupus profundus, rare in children, are described in two young girls, one with onset at 3 1/2 years of age, the other at 8 years of age. Unusual nodules of the face that ultimately healed with atrophy and hyperpigmentation showed histologic and immunofluorescent confirmation of lupus erythematosus. These patients, the second and third in the English literature to be treated for childhood lupus profundus with antimalarials, responded successfully to hydroxychloroquine. No systemic involvement was found.