Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually treats cutaneous lupus erythematosus. A rheumatologist, a doctor who treats autoimmune and joint diseases, may also help if lupus affects other parts of the body. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is cutaneous lupus erythematosus?
Lupus is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in different parts of your body. When lupus affects the skin, it is called cutaneous lupus. All types of lupus are autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease develops when your immune system attacks part of your own body. In cutaneous lupus, your immune system is attacking healthy skin cells.
You can have cutaneous lupus without having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For many people, cutaneous lupus affects only their skin. Cutaneous lupus is not contagious.
Types of cutaneous lupus include:
- Discoid lupus, the most common type, causes raised, thick, scaly, disc-shaped patches.
- Subacute cutaneous lupus can cause ring-shaped patches or a scaly rash that looks like psoriasis or eczema.
- Acute cutaneous lupus often causes a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks.
Symptoms
Lupus can affect the skin in many ways. Signs can include:
- A widespread rash on the back.
- A butterfly-shaped rash on the face.
- Thick, scaly patches on the face.
- Sores inside the mouth or nose.
- A flare-up that looks like a sunburn.
Sometimes the rashes and sores burn or itch. Discoid patches can stay on the skin for months or years.
Left untreated, some types of cutaneous lupus can damage your skin. Discoid lupus can cause scarring. Scarring on the scalp can eventually lead to permanent hair loss.
Causes and who gets it
Researchers are still studying why people get different types of lupus. Most types seem to develop when a person inherits one or more genes that raise the risk of lupus. Then something triggers, or turns on, those genes. Having these genes does not mean you will develop lupus.
Common triggers when lupus affects the skin include:
- Ultraviolet (UV) light from sunlight, tanning beds, and fluorescent light bulbs.
- Cigarette smoke.
- An infection.
- Some medications.
- Stress.
- Surgery or a serious injury.
People of all races and ages can get lupus. Discoid lupus is most common in Black people. If you have a blood relative who has lupus, your risk is greater.
How doctors diagnose it
A dermatologist will closely examine your skin, hair, and nails. The dermatologist will also ask questions, such as whether you have:
- Sores inside the mouth, nose, or elsewhere.
- Noticed the skin problem after taking a medication.
A blood test cannot tell whether you have lupus. Certain proteins in the blood can give clues that help with the diagnosis.
You may also have a skin biopsy, which removes a small amount of skin. No single test can tell whether you have any type of lupus.
Treatment
There is no cure for any type of lupus, including the types that affect your skin. Two types, drug-induced and neonatal lupus, tend to go away. For the other types of cutaneous lupus, treatment can control, but not cure, the disease. Treatment aims to reduce or clear rashes and sores. It also aims to relieve itch and pain. It aims to prevent scarring too.
A treatment plan usually includes sun protection, which can prevent new flare-ups and stop lupus from worsening. It may also include medicine, such as:
- A corticosteroid that you put on your skin or take as a pill.
- A corticosteroid shot to clear a thick lupus patch.
- An antimalarial medicine, which can clear lupus rashes and prevent flares.
Once your skin responds to a corticosteroid, your dermatologist will lower the amount or switch medicines to reduce the risk of side effects. An antimalarial works slowly, and it may take 2 to 3 months to see results. Smoking can keep an antimalarial from working as well, so tell your dermatologist if you smoke.
Sometimes it takes months to find the right treatment. If you do not get results, your dermatologist may add a medicine that calms the immune system, such as methotrexate.
When to see a doctor
If lupus could be affecting your skin, find out as soon as possible. Treating cutaneous lupus early can prevent it from progressing and causing damage.
A butterfly rash can be the first noticeable sign of SLE, so see your doctor if you develop this rash.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look at a new rash, order first tests, and refer you to a dermatologist. They can also help you keep up with follow-up visits and sun-protection habits.
Common questions
Is cutaneous lupus contagious?
No, cutaneous lupus is not contagious.
Can cutaneous lupus be cured?
No, there is no cure for any type of lupus, including the types that affect your skin. Two types, drug-induced and neonatal lupus, tend to go away. For the other types, treatment can control, but not cure, the disease.
Does a lupus rash mean lupus is affecting my organs?
Not always. For many people, cutaneous lupus affects only their skin. A butterfly rash can be a sign that lupus affects more than your skin.
Can sunlight make cutaneous lupus worse?
Yes, sunlight can cause a lupus flare. People of all skin tones can have fewer flare-ups by protecting their skin from the sun.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology - Lupus and your skin: Overview
- American Academy of Dermatology - Lupus and your skin: Causes
- American Academy of Dermatology - Lupus and your skin: Diagnosis and treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
