An unusual clinical variant of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex and systemic autoimmune disease in which a person's own immune system attacks their healthy cells and tissue with multi-organ and central nervous system involvement, such as brain, skin, bones, kidney, joints, lungs and blood vessels. The disease is more common in childbearing age in females; it has been well reported in paediatrics and among the elderly. A 24-year-old female visited the dermatology outpatient department with complaints of a fluid-filled lesion (red colour) over the hand and red lesions on the lower extremities with pedal oedema, burning sensation near the lesion, knee, elbow and wrist joint pain. On physical examination, photosensitive rashes were observed, and laboratory investigation showed the patient had systemic lupus erythematosus. The patient was referred to the dermatology department for further medical management.