Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Sixty two cases of SLE were studied in a Medical Unit for a period of 4 years. Four different aspects of the cutaneous manifestations were analyzed and discussed. Butterfly rash, alopecia and photosensitive lesions were slightly more common than in Western series, whereas, Raynaud's phenomenon, discoid lesions and others were rarely found. Some other uncommon lesions, especially one case with bullae formation, one with gangrene of toe and another with subcutaneous calcinosis, were observed. Psoriasiform lesions and hyperkeratotic lesions were also found in this series. Skin lesions secondary to systemic disorders and therapy were also studied and the findings discussed.