Lupus affects different people in different ways, and skin problems like rashes or sores are common. In a new study, people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were found to be at higher risk for developing multiple cutaneous lupus erythematosus disease (CLE, lupus skin disease) subtype  diagnoses, including acute CLE, subacute CLE and chronic CLE. 

Researchers analyzed  319 people living with CLE. Of the group, 59 (18.5%) people were diagnosed with two or more CLE subtypes. The most common subtypes were acute CLE and chronic CLE. Upon further analyses, those with multiple CLE subtypes expressed statistically significant differences in rates of SLE diagnosis, history of positive anti-nuclear antibody, arthritis, renal disorder, and serositis (inflammation of membranes that line organs and cavities of the body). SLE diagnosis was also found to be a statistically significant risk factor with nearly 1 in 5 people with CLE expressing multiple subtype diagnoses.

The study suggests more research is needed to understand the progression of multiple CLE subtypes and associated risk factors, as well as whether having multiple subtypes affects patient outcomes. Clinicians should closely monitor people with CLE for the emergence of various subtypes and consider the systemic manifestations and laboratory abnormalities linked with SLE when treating these individuals. Learn more about lupus and the skin.

Read the study