This type of skin lupus is particularly associated with autoantibodies in the blood to the Ro antigen that we mentioned above. SCLE tends to heal over weeks or months and is usually non-scarring. However, SLE can develop in patients who start with DLE and SCLE, but it tends to be much milder illness than typical SLE . Sun-avoidance and appropriate sunscreens may reduce the need for treatment with topical steroids or systemic therapy with tablets. Dermatologists have suggested sun avoidance in britain from 11am to 3pm, March to september for photosensitive lupus patients.
Topical sunscreens form the next major component of photoprotection.
Sunscreens are either organic chemicals which absorb UV light or inorganic pigments such as titanium dioxide which absorb and scatter UV light. The most frequently missed areas are the back and sides of the neck, the temples and the ears which also tend to be the areas where photosensitive lupus patients frequently experience problems. Because car windows and clouds only protect against UVB, not UVA, photoprotection should not be limited just to sunny days in order to minimize UVA exposure. UV-blocking films may be applied to car and house windows. Sources of UV light other than sunlight can also cause skin problems in lupus.