Diagnosis: Subacute lupus erythematosus
Description: Psoriasiform plaques on the back
Morphology: Red,scaly
Site: Back
Sex: M
Age: 67
Type: Clinical
Submitted By: Ian McColl
Differential DiagnosisHistory:
The lesions of subacute lupus erythematosus can be very psoriasiform as is shown in this case.It can be difficult to differentiate this type clinically from discoid lupus erythematosus.This patient was photosensitive and Ro Ab positive.In contrast to discoid lupus these lesions usually clear with minimal scarring.
Occasionally lesions such as these in a white skin individual are mistaken for superficial basal cell skin cancers.Subacute lupus responds well to antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine.