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Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases

»	Discuss the skin changes of lupus erythematosus.
»	What is acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE)?
»	Are there any common skin eruptions that may be confused with acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus?
»	What is subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE)?
»	Do patients with SCLE have SLE?
»	How do you make a diagnosis of SCLE?
»	What is the initial workup of SCLE?
»	How is SCLE managed?
»	What is chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus?
»	Describe the skin changes of discoid lupus erythematosus.
»	Do patients with DLE develop systemic lupus erythematosus?
»	How is discoid lupus erythematosus treated?
»	What is minocycline-induced lupus?
»	What is lupus panniculitis?
»	Describe the bullous eruption of SLE.
»	How is the bullous eruption of systemic lupus erythematosus treated?
»	What is neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE)?
»	Which tests should be done in an infant with suspected NLE?
»	Once a diagnosis of NLE is made, what workup should be done?
»	What is the lupus band test?
»	What is scleroderma?
»	What is the CREST syndrome?
»	Describe the early cutaneousfindings in progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS).
»	What is dermatomyositis?
»	Are there skin changes diagnostic of dermatomyositis?
»	How do you diagnose dermatomyositis?
»	Are any diseases associated with dermatomyositis?
»	What is the antisynthetase syndrome?
»	What is an overlap syndrome?
»	What is mixed connective tissue disease?
»	What is the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome?
»	What are some other connective tissue diseases with cutaneous manifestations?
»	What autoantibodies are associated with the different autoimmune connective tissue diseases?

How is discoid lupus erythematosus treated?

As with other types of cutaneous LE, sunscreens and sun-protective measures are the foundation of therapy. Potent topical steroids and intralesional corticosteroids are often helpful. Antimalarial drugs are also used. Less often, therapy with gold, immunosuppressive medications, or systemic corticosteroids is offered.

Wozniacka A, McCauliffe DP: Optimal use of antimalarials in treating cutaneous lupus erythematosus, Am J Clin Dermatol 6:1–11, 2005.