Lupus erythematosus in childhood can present with several different forms:

1. Neonatal lupus erythematosus – Beginning in the first few months of life.
2. Discoid lupus erythematosus – Predominantly skin lesions during childhood.
3. Subacute lupus erythematosus – Skin lesions during childhood.
4. Systemic lupus erythematosus
5. Lupus panniculitis

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a scarring, frequently photosensitive autoimmune disease. It has a characteristic clinical appearance consisting of red, scaly plaques with resulting pigmentary changes; the plaques are frequently found on the face and scalp.

In a large series, about 5% of patients with DLE had lesions starting in childhood. Cases have been reported in several ethnic groups, although there are less than 50 cases in the literature. A minority of patients have developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but follow-up time has usually been limited.

Related topic: drug-induced lupus erythematosus