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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a lupus-specific cutaneous manifestation?

In systemic lupus erythematosus, some skin findings are considered lupus-specific, meaning they are characteristic of the disease itself. The classic butterfly rash, also called the malar rash, is an erythematous rash over the cheeks and nasal bridge that often spares the nasolabial folds. It is a hallmark lupus-specific cutaneous manifestation because it is highly associated with SLE and is used in diagnostic considerations; it also tends to be photosensitive, flaring with sun exposure. Livedo reticularis, while it can appear in lupus and is related to vascular involvement, is not exclusive to lupus and can be seen in other conditions. Vasculitis may occur in lupus but is not unique to it and can be present in various inflammatory or vasculitic disorders. An ulcer on the leg has many common non-lupus causes (venous insufficiency, arterial disease, diabetes, infection) and is not specific to lupus. So the butterfly rash best fits as the lupus-specific cutaneous manifestation.

In systemic lupus erythematosus, some skin findings are considered lupus-specific, meaning they are characteristic of the disease itself. The classic butterfly rash, also called the malar rash, is an erythematous rash over the cheeks and nasal bridge that often spares the nasolabial folds. It is a hallmark lupus-specific cutaneous manifestation because it is highly associated with SLE and is used in diagnostic considerations; it also tends to be photosensitive, flaring with sun exposure.

Livedo reticularis, while it can appear in lupus and is related to vascular involvement, is not exclusive to lupus and can be seen in other conditions. Vasculitis may occur in lupus but is not unique to it and can be present in various inflammatory or vasculitic disorders. An ulcer on the leg has many common non-lupus causes (venous insufficiency, arterial disease, diabetes, infection) and is not specific to lupus.

So the butterfly rash best fits as the lupus-specific cutaneous manifestation.