30th July 2026

Drug induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCE)

Associated drugs

• Anti-hypertensive medications e.g. ACE inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers
• Hydrochlorothiazide 
• Statins
• Oral anti fungal such as terbinafine
• Biologic agents
• Anti-epileptic medications
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Clinical manifestations

Symptoms in DIL are milder than idiopathic SLE

• Non-scarring
• Ring shaped or scaly rash in sun-exposed regions of the body
• Widespread
• Blistering at the edges of the rash

Investigations

Bloods:

• ANA: positive 
• antiRo/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB: positive
• antihistone: positive 
• anti-dsDNA antibodies: absent 
• FBC/U&Es/LFTs: normal