Subacute Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE)

Subacute Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE)

 

What are the aims of this leaflet?

This leaflet has been written to help you understand more about subacute lupus erythematosus. It tells you what it is, how it can be treated, and where you can find out more about it.

What is subacute lupus erythematosus?

Lupus erythematosus covers a group of related conditions, all of which can affect the skin. It includes systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting many systems of the body. However, there are forms of lupus which chiefly affect the skin, such as discoid lupus erythematosus and subacute lupus erythematosus.

What causes subacute lupus erythematosus?

Lupus erythematosus is an auto-immune disease whereby the body’s immune system, which protects against infection, may attack some parts of the body. The exact cause however is unknown.

It is more common in women than men, and sunlight can often trigger the rash. Sometimes the condition can be caused by medication, including some diuretics (i.e. water tablets); however, you should not stop any treatment without discussing it with your doctor. The condition is not infectious.

Is subacute lupus erythematosus hereditary?

Sometimes lupus erythematosus and related conditions run in families but this is rare. If you have subacute lupus erythematosus and become pregnant, antibodies from your blood can cross the placenta and affect your baby causing a rash and rarely a slow heartbeat.

What are the symptoms of subacute lupus erythematosus?

Most people feel well; however, some people may notice fatigue and weakness, sometimes with flu-like symptoms such as joint aches. Severe illness is rare.

What does subacute lupus erythematosus look like?

Subacute lupus erythematosus usually affects areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face, the ‘V’ of the neck, the arms and the upper back. It causes a red and occasionally scaly rash.

How will subacute lupus erythematosus be diagnosed?

Your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis after a clinical examination, but in most cases it is necessary to take a small sample of skin (a biopsy) and to examine this under the microscope in order to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor will probably take a blood test too, as specific antibodies (known as “ENA” or “Ro and La”) appear to be important in the condition. A routine blood screen may also be carried out.

Can subacute lupus erythematosus be cured?

There is no “instant cure” for subacute lupus erythematosus, but many treatments are able to help it.

How can subacute lupus erythematosus be treated?

Sun avoidance is essential. Corticosteroid ointments are particularly useful. Other treatments used by dermatologists, and reported to be helpful, include tacrolimus and pimecrolimus ointments, which can be used together on the skin with corticosteroids.

Sometimes medicines are also needed by mouth if ointments and sunscreens do not work, or if your general health is affected. The most commonly used are hydroxychloroquine and mepacrine – both of which are drugs originally used to treat malaria. A few patients may require other drugs such as methotrexate or oral corticosteroids.

What can I do?

The most important thing you can do is to protect your skin from sunlight. This doesn’t just mean avoiding sunbathing, but you should also reduce your exposure to the sun when you are out in the garden, walking or shopping, playing sports, or even driving your car.

Remember that the sun is most intense at mid-day, and can be quite powerful even on a hazy day. Lying under a sunshade does not protect you totally, and sun can be reflected from water and snow.
Top sun safety tips:

  • Protect your skin with clothing, and don’t forget to wear a hat that protects your face, neck and ears, and a pair of UV protective sunglasses. Lip blocks are also widely available to protect your lips from the sun.
  • Check clothing by holding it up to see if it lets any sunlight through: light summer clothing may not protect. Fortunately there are plenty of clothes which feel (and look) cool in hot weather but block the sun. Some even have “sun protection factor” numbers.
  • Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it’s sunny. Step out of the sun before your skin has a chance to redden or burn. Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
  • When choosing a sunscreen look for a high protection SPF (SPF 30 or more) to protect against UVB, and the UVA circle logo and/or 4 or 5 UVA stars to protect against UVA. Apply plenty of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every two hours and straight after swimming and towel-drying.
  • Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative to clothing and shade, rather they offer additional protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection.
  • The British Association of Dermatologists recommends that you tell your doctor about any changes to a mole or patch of skin.
  • It may be worth taking Vitamin D supplement tablets (available from health food stores) as strictly avoiding sunlight can reduce Vitamin D levels.

VITAMIN D ADVICE

The evidence relating to the health effects of serum Vitamin D levels, sunlight exposure and Vitamin D intake remains inconclusive. Avoiding all sunlight exposure if you suffer from light sensitivity, or to reduce the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, may be associated with Vitamin D deficiency.

Individuals avoiding all sun exposure should consider having their serum Vitamin D measured. If levels are reduced or deficient they may wish to consider taking supplementary vitamin D3, 10-25 micrograms per day, and increasing their intake of foods high in Vitamin D such as oily fish, eggs, meat, fortified margarines and cereals. Vitamin D3 supplements are widely available from health food shops.

Some people may need to apply special photoprotective window films to the windows of their car and home in order to block out UVA and UVB light. These protective films may stop working and need replacing after about five years. Some car manufacturers offer UV protective glass as standard or as an optional extra, however most car windows do not block UV light. Your dermatologist or a patient support group may be able to advise you about suppliers of UV protective film.

If you become pregnant, your baby may be born with a rash or a slow heartbeat as the ENA antibodies are able to cross the placenta. For this reason it is important to let your obstetrician or midwife know that you have subacute lupus erythematosus.

Where can I get more information?

Web links to detailed leaflets:
www.dermnetnz.org/immune/cutaneous-lupus.html

Links to patients support groups:

The patient self-help group Lupus UK supports people with all forms of lupus; it has local branches around the country and arranges regular meetings, as well as supporting research into the condition. For further information contact:

LUPUS UK
St James House
Essex, RM1 3NH
Tel: 01708 731251
Fax: 01708 731252
Email: headoffice@lupusuk.org.uk
Web: www.lupusuk.org.uk