How is subacute cutaneous lupus diagnosed?

How is subacute cutaneous lupus diagnosed?

A dermatologist (a physician specializing in skin, hair and nails) can diagnose subacute cutaneous lupus with a skin biopsy. During a biopsy, your dermatologist removes a small sample of skin. The skin is sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope.

How is CLE diagnosed?

The cornerstone of CLE diagnosis is a lesional biopsy for histology. Histologic findings vary by subtype, but in general CLE lesions share the features of vacuolar or hydropic change and lymphocytic infiltrates. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) of lesional biopsies can supplement non-definitive histologic findings.

What is subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus Scle?

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a nonscarring, non–atrophy-producing, photosensitive dermatosis. SCLE commonly develops in sun-exposed areas, including the upper back, shoulders, extensor arms, neck, and upper torso, while the face is often spared.

Can you have Cle without SLE?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. But one form of SLE, called cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) affects just your skin, without other lupus symptoms.

Does subacute cutaneous lupus itch?

Subacute cutaneous lupus may be a sign of systemic lupus, but it can also develop on its own. Most of the time, lesions aren’t itchy or painful, and they rarely cause scarring after they heal.

Is cutaneous lupus a disability?

For Social Security’s purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions: It involves two or more organs or body systems. It includes at least two major signs or symptoms, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss.

Does subacute cutaneous lupus cause joint pain?

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is recognized as a variant of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and affects mainly middle-aged Caucasian women. The clinical picture is characterized by typical skin lesions, joint or muscle pain and occasionally arthritis.

What is the most common type of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus?

CLE is a disfiguring, chronic skin disease, with a significant impact on the patients’ everyday life. CLE are further divided into three main subsets: Acute CLE (ACLE), subacute CLE (SCLE) and chronic CLE (CCLE), where classic discoid LE (DLE) is the most common form.

Are there different types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus?

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) may present in a variety of clinical forms. Three recognized subtypes of cutaneous LE are acute cutaneous LE (ACLE), subacute cutaneous LE (SCLE), and chronic cutaneous LE (CCLE).

Which is subacute lupus erythematosus or systemic lupus?

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus versus systemic lupus erythematosus: diagnostic criteria and therapeutic implications

What are the ARA criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus?

More than four American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are found in a proportion of patients diagnosed as having SCLE; thus such cases could be classified as SLE.

What’s the difference between SCLE and systemic lupus?

Conclusion: Patients with SCLE (although the majority fulfill more than four ARA criteria for SLE) show significant differences from those with SLE in terms of cutaneous and visceral involvement, immunologic findings, photosensitivity, course of the disease, and the requirement for therapy.