Current Concepts and Future Approaches in the Treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: A Comprehensive Review.

Standard treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) includes preventive measures such as smoking cessation and photoprotection associated with topical therapies and antimalarial agents, which are recommended as first-line systemic treatment. In more severe disease, alternative therapeutic options include immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs. Recently, the development of specific tools to assess CLE activity and the publication of European CLE guidelines have improved the management of CLE. Moreover, several biologic agents are currently being studied specifically in CLE or in systemic lupus erythematosus with assessment of skin involvement and may be promising therapies. However, improvement of the management of CLE remains a major unmet need. In this review, we summarize current concepts in the management of CLE as well as future approaches for more targeted treatments.