Cutaneous Lupus Quiz
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There is a lump
My skin is dry
Indentations on the skin
Redness of the skin
Lumps under skin
Red spots on skin
Holes on my skin
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Cutaneous Lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune condition where your body's immune system mistakenly attack its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and damage in affected organs. It can affect the skin, joints, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. The exact cause is unknown but may involve environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors.
Typical Symptoms of Cutaneous Lupus
- Skin lumps
- Skin depressions, holes or pockmarks
- Dry and flaky skin
- Red or yellow skin lumps
- Scalp rash
- Dark spots on skin
- Hard or stiff skin
- Swelling in the affected area
Diagnostic Questions for Cutaneous Lupus
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have you noticed any lumps on your skin?
- Do you have sunken or depressed skin areas?
- Do you have dry and flaky skin?
- Do you have yellow or red lumps/bumps on your skin?
- Do you have a rash on your scalp?
Treatment of Cutaneous Lupus
Treatment is not curative but geared toward both symptom relief and slowing disease progression. Medication to suppress immune cells is the main treatment for lupus erythematosus. Although not a definitive treatment, these medications reduce symptoms and slow disease progression.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Kaito Nakamura, MD (Rheumatology)
Dr. Nakamura is a rheumatologist who has practiced in the Ota Nishinouchi Hospital attached to Ota General Hospital, National Health Insurance Matsudo City Hospital, Chiba University Hospital, and the National Health Insurance Asahi Central Hospital.
Content updated on Feb 19, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Cutaneous Lupus?
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With a free 3-min Cutaneous Lupus quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Acne scars
- Reddish skin lumps
- Increase in dandruff
- Bumps on my arm
- Reddish skin lumps
- Holes in skin
- Lumps on my wrist
- Pink, bumpy skin
- Skin peeling
- Ice pick scars
- Lump on the back
- Many skin nodules
- Yellowish skin lumps
- Smallpox scars
- Skin lumps with black dots in the center
See full list
User Testimonials for Cutaneous Lupus
Female, 30s
I have already seen a rheumatologist within the past year because of a positive ANA result. Not my favorite doctor, to put it politely. My PCP wants to refer me for a second opinion to another rheumatologist because she believes I might have lupus. I was surprised to see that the first result Ubie gave based on my symptoms was SLE (lupus). I downloaded the report to show her because it might be helpful in the future.
(Jul 30, 2025)
Symptoms Related to Cutaneous Lupus
Diseases Related to Cutaneous Lupus
FAQs
Q.
Are there different types of lupus disease, and which one is most common?
A.
Yes, there are many different types of lupus. The most common type is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). See below to understand more.
References:
Maidhof W, & Hilas O. (2012). Lupus: an overview of the disease and management options. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 22593636.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22593636/
Cooper EE, Pisano CE, & Shapiro SC. (2021). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Beyond. International journal of rheumatology, 34113383.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34113383/
Foulke G, Helm LA, Clebak KT, & Helm M. (2023). Autoimmune Skin Conditions: Cutaneous Lupus .... FP essentials, 36913660.
Q.
Can lupus be mild, or is it always serious?
A.
Lupus can be mild or serious, depending on the person and how it affects their body. Some people have mild symptoms, while others experience more severe health problems. See below to understand more.
References:
Lard LR, Roep BO, Verburgh CA, Zwinderman AH, & Huizinga TW. (2002). Elevated IL-16 levels in patients with systemic lupus .... Lupus, 11999883.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11999883/
Wang Q, Shen M, Leng X, Zeng X, Zhang F, & Qian J. (2016). Prevalence, severity, and clinical features of acute and .... Rheumatology international, 27379762.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27379762/
Rogers JL, Eudy AM, Pisetsky D, Criscione-Schreiber LG, Sun K, Doss J, & Clowse MEB. (2021). Using Clinical Characteristics and Patient-Reported .... Arthritis care & research, 31909888.
Q.
Can lupus disease affect fertility or pregnancy?
A.
Lupus can affect fertility and pregnancy, making it harder for some women to conceive and increasing certain risks during pregnancy. See below to understand more.
References:
Stamm B, Barbhaiya M, Siegel C, Lieber S, Lockshin M, & Sammaritano L. (2022). Infertility in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus science & medicine, 36600642.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36600642/
Moyer A, & Edens C. (2024). Impact of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Conception. Seminars in reproductive medicine, 39667369.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39667369/
Oktem O, Guzel Y, Aksoy S, Aydin E, & Urman B. (2015). Ovarian function and reproductive outcomes of female .... Obstetrical & gynecological survey, 25769434.
Q.
How fast does lupus disease usually progress after diagnosis?
A.
Lupus progresses differently for everyone, but some people may experience faster changes than others. See below to understand more.
References:
Tselios K, Gladman DD, Taheri C, Su J, & Urowitz MB. (2021). Factors Associated With Rapid Progression to Endstage .... The Journal of rheumatology, 33259331.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33259331/
Laustrup H, Voss A, Green A, & Junker P. (2009). Occurrence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Danish .... Scandinavian journal of rheumatology, 19117248.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19117248/
Arkin LM, Ansell L, Rademaker A, Curran ML, Miller ML, Wagner A, et al. (2015). The natural history of pediatric-onset discoid lupus .... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 25648823.
Q.
How likely is lupus to become fatal if it reaches the kidneys or heart?
A.
Lupus can be serious if it affects the kidneys or heart, increasing the risk of severe outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to manage these risks. See below to understand more.
References:
Lin H, Wei JC, Tan CY, Liu YY, Li YH, Li FX, et al. (2012). Survival analysis of late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinical rheumatology, 22983769.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22983769/
Gladman DD. (1992). Prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and factors that .... Current opinion in rheumatology, 1419502.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1419502/
Specker C, Becker A, Lakomek HJ, Bach D, & Grabensee B. (1994). [Systemic lupus erythematosus in men--a different .... Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie, 7871906.
Q.
Is lupus contagious or hereditary?
A.
Lupus is not contagious, but it may have a hereditary component, meaning it can run in families. See below to understand more.
References:
Iba Ba J, Ouédraogo M, Oliveira YS, Nseng Nseng I, Abo Ekomie A, & Boguikouma JB. (2017). Patients' Families' Perceptions of Lupus in Sub-Saharan .... Medecine et sante tropicales, 29313509.
Q.
Is lupus disease more common in certain races or age groups?
A.
Lupus is more common in certain races and age groups, particularly affecting women of childbearing age and people of certain ethnic backgrounds. See below to understand more.
References:
Barber MRW, Drenkard C, Falasinnu T, Hoi A, Mak A, Kow NY, et al. (2021). Global epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus. Nature reviews. Rheumatology, 34345022.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34345022/
Barbhaiya M, Feldman CH, Guan H, Gómez-Puerta JA, Fischer MA, Solomon DH, et al. (2017). Race/Ethnicity and Cardiovascular Events Among Patients .... Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.), 28598016.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28598016/
Joyce DP, Berger JS, Guttmann A, Hasan G, Buyon JP, Belmont HM, et al. (2024). Prevalence of cardiovascular events in a population-based .... Arthritis research & therapy, 39272198.
Q.
What causes the immune system to attack the body in lupus disease?
A.
In lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells due to genetic and environmental factors that confuse the immune system. See below to understand more.
References:
Arnaud L, Chasset F, & Martin T. (2024). Immunopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus: An .... Autoimmunity reviews, 39343084.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39343084/
Tusseau M, Khaldi-Plassart S, Cognard J, Viel S, Khoryati L, Benezech S, et al. (2024). Mendelian Causes of Autoimmunity: the Lupus Phenotype. Journal of clinical immunology, 38619739.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38619739/
Zharkova O, Celhar T, Cravens PD, Satterthwaite AB, Fairhurst AM, & Davis LS. (2017). Pathways leading to an immunological disease: systemic .... Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 28375453.
Q.
What factors shorten life expectancy in lupus patients?
A.
Lupus patients may have a shorter life expectancy due to complications like kidney disease, infections, and heart problems. See below to understand more.
References:
Doria A, Iaccarino L, Ghirardello A, Zampieri S, Arienti S, Sarzi-Puttini P, et al. (2006). Long-term prognosis and causes of death in systemic .... The American journal of medicine, 16887417.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16887417/
Lin H, Wei JC, Tan CY, Liu YY, Li YH, Li FX, et al. (2012). Survival analysis of late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinical rheumatology, 22983769.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22983769/
Kasitanon N, Magder LS, & Petri M. (2006). Predictors of survival in systemic lupus erythematosus. Medicine, 16721257.
Q.
What lifestyle changes help people live longer with lupus disease?
A.
To live longer with lupus, focus on healthy lifestyle changes like eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress. See below to understand more.
References:
Rodríguez Huerta MD, Trujillo-Martín MM, Rúa-Figueroa Í, Cuellar-Pompa L, Quirós-López R, Serrano-Aguilar P, & Spanish SLE CPG Development Group. (2016). Healthy lifestyle habits for patients with systemic lupus .... Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 26522137.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26522137/
Sieczkowska SM, Smaira FI, Mazzolani BC, Romero M, Pasoto SG, de Sá Pinto AL, et al. (2023). the protocol study "Living Well with Lupus". Rheumatology international, 37354245.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37354245/
Caruso Mazzolani B, Infante Smaira F, Mendes Sieczkowska S, Romero M, C Santo André H, G Pasoto S, et al. (2025). Qualitative analysis of living well with lupus study. Lupus, 40083122.
Q.
What long-term effects should someone expect after being diagnosed with lupus?
A.
Lupus can cause long-term effects like organ damage and fatigue, but the impact varies for each person. See below to understand more.
References:
Touma Z, Kayaniyil S, Parackal A, Bonilla D, Su J, Johnston A, et al. (2024). Modelling long-term outcomes for patients with systemic .... Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 39029291.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39029291/
Petri M. (2001). Long-term outcomes in lupus. The American journal of managed care, 11680779.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11680779/
Muñoz-Grajales C, Yilmaz EB, Svenungsson E, & Touma Z. (2023). Systemic lupus erythematosus and damage: What has .... Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology, 37993371.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Maz MP, Martens JWS, Hannoudi A, Reddy AL, Hile GA, Kahlenberg JM (Year). Recent advances in cutaneous lupus. Journal of autoimmunity.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35858957/Little AJ, Vesely MD (Year). Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Current and Future Pathogenesis-Directed Therapies. The Yale journal of biology and medicine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32226339/Lu Q, Long H, Chow S, Hidayat S, Danarti R, Listiawan Y, Deng D, Guo Q, Fang H, Tao J, Zhao M, Xiang L, Che N, Li F, Zhao H, Lau CS, Ip FC, Ho KM, Paliza AC, Vicheth C, Godse K, Cho S, Seow CS, Miyachi Y, Khang TH, Ungpakorn R, Galadari H, Shah R, Yang K, Zhou Y, Selmi C, Sawalha AH, Zhang X, Chen Y, Lin CS (Year). Guideline for the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Journal of autoimmunity.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34364171/