National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Lupus erythematosus tumidus


Other Names:
Intermittent cutaneous lupus; Tumid lupus erythematosus
Categories:
Subtypes:
Tumid erythematosus lupus is considered a rare type of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) can be divided into acute cutaneous lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus, and chronic cutaneous lupus.[1] Tumid erythematosus lupus is characterized by smooth, non-scarring, pink- to violet-colored pimples (papules) on the skin without any other apparent skin changes, such as scarring. Patients with tumid lupus erythematosus usually do not have other symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus or other types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.[2][1] The papules appear on sun-exposed areas of the face, upper back, V area of the neck, trunk, and arms, and more rarely on thighs and legs. They usually affect equally both sides of the body, but may affect only one side. Normally, the papules clear without leaving scars.[1] The treatment is very effective in most cases, and may include sun protection, anti-malarials drugs, local corticosteroids, topical tacrolimus and light therapy.[2][1][3]
Last updated: 5/2/2016

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  1. Verma P, Sharma S, Yadav P, Namdeo C & Mahajan G. Tumid Lupus Erythematosus: An Intriguing Dermatopathological Connotation Treated Successfully with Topical Tacrolimus and Hydroxyxhloroquine Combination. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2014; 59(2):210. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3969703/.
  2. Stead J, Headley C, Ioffreda M, Kovarik C & Werth V. Coexistence of Tumid Lupus Erythematosus with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: A Report of 2 cases. Journal of clinical rheumatology?: practical reports on rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases. 2008; 14(6):338-341. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2829660/.
  3. Truchuelo MT, Boixeda P, Alcántara J, Moreno C, de las Heras E & Olasolo PJ. Pulsed dye laser as an excellent choice of treatment for lupus tumidus: a prospective study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. October, 2012; 26(10):1272-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21957901.