Cutaneous manifestations of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects both adults and children, but with different degrees of severity. Indeed, pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (pSLE) is more serious than that of adults and the management is heavier with significant comorbidity. The clinical manifestations are polymorphic. The skin is one of the target organs most diversely affected by the disease. Indeed the cutaneous manifestations are frequent, they are almost constant during the evolution reflecting the activity of the disease. Long considered relatively benign, they are sometimes very debilitating and can take several forms, some of which can lead to functional, aesthetic and psychic disabilities. Therapeutic management depends on the types of skin lesions, the depth, the extent of the lesions and the aesthetic impact. Therapeutic management uses several molecules, in particular synthetic antimalarial and other treatments ranging from sun protection products, to topical and systemic corticosteroids, to immunosuppressants and immunomodulators.