Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. But one form of SLE, called cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) affects just your skin, without other lupus symptoms. CLE occurs when your immune system attacks healthy skin tissue. People who have this condition can go on to develop other SLE symptoms. It can be an early warning sign of the systemic disease, and patients with SLE often have skin symptoms. It’s not clear if it’s just a part of developing SLE or is a disease in its own right. One thing is clear: Unlike SLE, which mainly affects women, CLE is far more common in men. There are three subtypes of cutaneous lupus – acute, subacute and chronic. All can cause rashes that range from mild and localized to more widespread and severe. Some go away without a trace; others leave significant scars. 

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