Persistent Facial Oedema and Erythema in a Woman, An Uncommon Manifestation of Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Periorbital and facial swelling with erythema are clinical manifestations of dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, these manifestations represent quite an unusual presentation of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus.The periorbital area is most frequently affected, while extensive facial involvement is much more unusual.A complete evaluation and cutaneous biopsy are essential to make the diagnosis and to rule out other disorders such as dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Morbihan disease.