Lupus erythematosus. What's new?

Lupus erythematosus and lichen planus overlap syndrome:a case report with a rapid response to topical corticosteroid therapy

Lupus erythematosus (LE) and lichen planus (LP) may occur as an overlap syndrome. We report the clinical characteristics of a young man with lesions diagnosed as LE and LP by histopathological and direct immunoflurosence examinations. We achieved remarkable clinical response from the treatment with topical corticosteroids and no recurrence was seen in a 6 months of follow up time. We found this case interesting because of the rapid improvement with corticosteroid and discussed if there is a real overlap or a coexistence according to the literature.

Update on primary cicatricial alopecias

The cicatricial alopecias encompass a diverse group of disorders characterized by permanent destruction of the hair follicle and irreversible hair loss. Destruction of the hair follicle can result from primary, folliculocentric disease or as a secondary result. This article focuses on the former, or primary cicatricial alopecias. The cause and pathogenesis of many of these disorders are largely unknown. Although unique clinicopathologic features allow for accurate diagnosis in some cases, diagnostic certainty is often elusive and reflects the limits of present understanding. Classification of the primary cicatricial alopecias on the basis of pathology provides a diagnostic and investigational framework and, it is hoped, will facilitate future enlightenment. Details of classification, etiopathogenesis, clinicopathologic features, differential diagnosis, and practical management of the primary cicatricial alopecias will be discussed.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the following aspects of the primary cicatricial alopecias: (1) the new, consensus-issued classification scheme, (2) current understanding about etiopathogenesis, (3) salient clinicopathologic features, (4) differential diagnosis, and (5) therapeutic management.