Cutaneous manifestations of systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A study from Ahwaz

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which cutaneous lesions occur in 72%-85% of patients. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the pattern and incidence of skin lesions in SLE patients in Ahwaz. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with SLE fulfilling the clinical and laboratory criteria of the American Rheumatism Association who were admitted in Sina Hospital in Ahwaz from December 1989 to September 1999, were studied. Results: Skin findings included: Malar rash (70%), mucosal lesions (70%), non-cicatricial diffuse alopecia (63.3%), nonspecific skin rash (56.6%), photosensitivity (53.3%), nail involvement (40%), pigmentary changes (33.3%), dry skin and edema of extremities (16.6%), Raynaud’s phenomenon, discoid eruption, bullous lesions (13.3%), periorbital edema, urticaria, palmar erythema, scarring alopecia and cutaneous vasculitis (10%), chillblain and psoriasiform lesions (6.6%) and livedo reticularis (3%). Conclusion: Skin changes are prominent in SLE and may provide helpful diagnostic information. A different clinical pattern from previous reports was noted in our patients.