Coexisting lichen planus and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus

We report a patient who presented with annular erythematous skin lesions and generalized lichenoid papules. The clinical picture as well as histopathology, immunofluorescence and laboratory findings indicated coexistence of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and extensive generalized lichen planus (LP). Clinically and histologically, SCLE-like lesions appeared to progress into LP-like lesions, supporting the concept of a common autoimmune pathophysiology in these disorders. Treatment with cyclosporin A (2.5 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant remission of the inflammatory skin lesions.