Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Abstract

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects the skin, and may present with cutaneous only disease. This chapter reviews the forms of cutaneous lupus‐specific skin disease (discoid lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus, lupus tumidus and acute cutaneous lupus), their clinical features, pathogenesis and treatment. A review of systemic lupus erythematosus is also provided with a discussion of diagnosis, clinical features, cutaneous aspects and treatment, germane for the dermatologist. Clinical features of neonatal lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, more commonly seen in systemic lupus erythematosus kindreds, are also discussed.