Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) Overview

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Learn About Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)

What is the definition of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)?
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a skin condition that usually occurs in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but may appear before the disease becomes systemic. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is categorized into three types: chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE), also known as discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), and acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE).
What are the symptoms of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)?
Symptoms of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, also known as discoid lupus erythematosus, are the appearance of disc-like lesions on the skin that are thick, scaly, block hair follicles, appear on skin exposed to the sun, and cause scarring. Symptoms of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus are the appearance of thick, scaly lesions on the skin that do not scar. Symptoms of acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus are lesions on the skin that are triggered by sun exposure.
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What are the current treatments for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)?
Treatment for chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, also known as discoid lupus erythematosus, involves avoiding sun exposure; wearing Helioplex sunscreen with an SPF of 70 or higher; corticosteroid creams, ointments, and injections; anti-malarial medications, such as Plaquenil, hydroxychloroquine, or chloroquine; and/or immunosuppressive medications. Treatment for subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus includes the use of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing when in the sun, and avoiding sun exposure. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is often resistant to treatment with steroids or anti-malarial medications. Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus may be treated with prednisone or other immunosuppressive drugs, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, or myco-phenolate mofetil.
Who are the top Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) Local Doctors?
Victoria P. Werth
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Victoria P. Werth
Dermatology
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Victoria P. Werth
Dermatology

Penn Dermatology Perelman

3400 Civic Center Boulevard, South Pavilion, 1st Floor, 
Philadelphia, PA 
215-662-2737
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Victoria Werth is a Dermatologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Werth is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). Her top areas of expertise are Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), Dermatomyositis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), and Pemphigus. Dr. Werth is currently accepting new patients.

Ruth Ann Vleugels
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Ruth Ann Vleugels
Dermatology
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Ruth Ann Vleugels
Dermatology

Brigham Dermatology Associates At Brigham And Womens Hospital

221 Longwood Avenue, 
Boston, MA 
617-732-4918
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Ruth Vleugels is a Dermatologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Vleugels is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). Her top areas of expertise are Dermatomyositis, Eosinophilic Fasciitis, Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Benjamin F. Chong
Dermatology
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Benjamin F. Chong
Dermatology

University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center At Dallas

5939 Harry Hines Blvd, Fl 9, 
Dallas, TX 
214-645-6616
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances

Benjamin Chong is a Dermatologist in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Chong is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). His top areas of expertise are Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Dermatomyositis.

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What are the latest Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) Clinical Trials?
A 2-Part Seamless Part A (Phase 2)/Part B (Phase 3) Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of BIIB059 in Participants With Active Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and/or Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus With or Without Systemic Manifestations and Refractory and/or Intolerant to Antimalarial Therapy (AMETHYST)
A 2-Part Seamless Part A (Phase 2)/Part B (Phase 3) Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of BIIB059 in Participants With Active Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and/or Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus With or Without Systemic Manifestations and Refractory and/or Intolerant to Antimalarial Therapy (AMETHYST)
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: October 09, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 2/Phase 3

Summary: In this study, researchers will learn more about a study drug called litifilimab (BIIB059) in participants with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). The study will focus on participants who have either active subacute CLE or chronic CLE, or both. They may also have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The participants did not respond to antimalarial therapy or had problems with the treatment that m...

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A Phase 1b, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multiple Ascending Dose Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of BMS-986326 in Adult Participants With Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
A Phase 1b, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multiple Ascending Dose Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of BMS-986326 in Adult Participants With Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 29, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug, Other
Study Phase: Phase 1

Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate safety, drug levels and drug effects on cells and organs of the body, after receiving multiple increasing doses of BMS-986326 via intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous (SC) injection, in participants with different forms of lupus.

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