Subacute cutaneous lupus is frequently triggered by medications and affects adults over 40 years of age. The most common form of chronic cutaneous lupus is discoid lupus, which causes scarring plaques on the head and neck. The condition can be itchy, painful and even result in disfiguring scars or hair loss.

Does lupus change your appearance?

The sores can cause scars or changes in skin color. Subacute cutaneous lupus causes a red scaly rash or red ring-shaped sores. It usually happens on skin that gets sunlight, like the neck and arms. Acute cutaneous lupus causes a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose that looks like a sunburn (called malar rash).

Does lupus cause tissue damage?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a disease that causes your body's immune system to attack its own cells and tissues. It causes periods of inflammation to various parts of the body. It can affect your joints, tendons, kidneys, and skin. It can affect blood vessels.