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?
Richard A. Furie
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Richard A. Furie
Rheumatology
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Richard A. Furie
Rheumatology

Northwell Health Physician Partners Rheumatology At Great Neck

865 Northern Boulevard, Suite 302, 
Great Neck, NY 
516-708-2550
Languages Spoken:
English
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Richard Furie is a Rheumatologist in Great Neck, New York. Dr. Furie is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). His top areas of expertise are Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Lupus Nephritis, Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).

Michelle Petri
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Michelle Petri
Rheumatology
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Michelle Petri
Rheumatology

Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center

Baltimore, MD 
410-955-9114
Languages Spoken:
English, French
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Michelle Petri, M.D. is a Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She attended medical school at Harvard University and fulfilled her internal medicine residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition, she completed two fellowship programs at the University of California, San Francisco in allergy and immunology and rheumatology. Dr. Petri is the Director of the Hopkins Lupus Cohort, a longitudinal study of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus, and Co-Director of the Hopkins Lupus Pregnancy Center. Dr. Petri is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). Her top areas of expertise are Lupus Nephritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), Tenotomy, and Osteotomy.

 
 
 
 
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Chaim Putterman
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Chaim Putterman
Rheumatology
Elite in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
Dr. Chaim Putterman
Rheumatology

Montefiore At AECOM

1300 Morris Park Avenue, 
Bronx, NY 
718-430-2078
Languages Spoken:
English
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Chaim Putterman, MD - Summary of Research Program and Goals. Dr. Putterman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). His top areas of expertise are Lupus Nephritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), and Vasculitis.

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What are the latest Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) Clinical Trials?
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Phase III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Anifrolumab in Adults With Chronic and/or Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Who Are Refractory and/or Intolerant to Antimalarial Therapy.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Phase III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Anifrolumab in Adults With Chronic and/or Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Who Are Refractory and/or Intolerant to Antimalarial Therapy.
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: December 15, 2025
Intervention Type: Combination product, Other
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (SC) anifrolumab versus placebo in adult participants with chronic and/or subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

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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: December 12, 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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