Pregnancy-induced chilblain lupus erythematosus

Chilblains in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: a review

Chilblains were first described over a hundred years ago as cutaneous inflammatory lesions, typically on the digits, occurring on cold exposure. Chilblains can be primary, or secondary to a number of conditions such as infections, including COVID-19, and immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs) with SLE being the commonest. Chilblain lupus erythematosus (CHLE) was first described in 1888 as cold-induced erythematous lesions before the terms 'chilblains' or 'perniosis' were coined. Diagnostic criteria exist for both chilblains and CHLE. Histopathologically, CHLE lesions show interface dermatitis with perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. Immunofluorescence demonstrates linear deposits of immunoglobulins and complement in the dermo-epidermal junction. This narrative review focuses on chilblains secondary to immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, primarily the epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of CHLE.

Chilblain lupus erythematosus in an adolescent girl

Chilblain Lupus Erythematosus (CHLE) is a rare form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE), more frequently seen in middle aged females. It is characterized by erythematous to violaceous plaques over the acral areas induced by exposure to cold or drop in temperature unlike lesions of lupus erythematosus that worsen with sun exposure. Here, we present a case of chilblain lupus erythematosus in an adolescent girl with few unique features not previously reported.

Uncommon cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus

Cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus (LE) are, usually, characteristic enough to permit an easy diagnosis. However, some patients may present less typical lesions, associated or not to the classic ones. Therefore, irrespectively of the variety of LE (acute, subacute and chronic), in absence of the typical butterfly rash, erythematosquamous papules or plaques, or any of the characteristic cutaneous alterations, it is important (even though not always easy) to recognize the uncommon and/or atypical changes of the skin.