"Lupus panniculitis is a rare variant of lupus erythematosus. It may occur as a separate disease or coexist with systemic or discoid lupus erythematosus. It is characterized by persistent, tender and hard nodules localised on the face, arms, shoulders, breast and buttocks. Healing of lesions is associated with scarring, lipoatrophy and rarely ulceration. Treatment of lupus panniculitis depends on disease advancement or concomitance of additional lupus erythematosus symptoms." [1]
"LEP occurs in 1% to 3% of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus, mostly affecting females of childbearing age, with a female to male ratio of 4.5:1. (3) LEP presents as persistent, often painful subcutaneous nodules, ranging from 1 to 5 cm in diameter, mainly involving the proximal extremities (lateral aspects of the arms and shoulders), thighs, buttocks, trunk, face, and scalp. Overlying skin may appear erythematous. Lesions may ulcerate, healing with atrophy, skin depression, dimpling, and scarring. LEP may present as the sole manifestation of the disease or associated with discoid and/or systemic lupus. Although spontaneous resolution may occur, LEP may follow a chronic course of remission and exacerbation persisting for months to years" [2]
Only 10% have SLE.
