Premium
Therapy of cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Author(s) -
Callen Jeffrey P.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1046/j.1529-8019.2001.014002061.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cutaneous lupus erythematosus , dermatology , tacrolimus , lupus erythematosus , systemic lupus erythematosus , intensive care medicine , surgery , immunology , disease , pathology , transplantation , antibody
Patients with cutaneous lesions of lupus erythematosus (LE) can generally be managed with standard therapies. The patient should have a firmly established diagnosis. Evaluation will allow the treating physician to assign a prognosis. Patients with discoid LE and subacute cutaneous LE are generally photosensitive and therefore sunscreens, protective clothing, and behavioral alteration should be discussed with all patients. Topical corticosteroids are a standard form of therapy, but “newer” agents such as retinoids, calcipotriene, and tacrolimus might be effective. Antimalarial agents are generally effective. Attempts to reduce or stop smoking may aid in the control of cutaneous LE (CLE). The choice of alternative therapy is personal and discussions of the risks and benefits should be carefully documented. Successful therapy for CLE is possible in almost all well‐motivated, cooperative patients.