Papulonodular Mucinosis in Childhood Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Background: Papulonodular mucinosis in childhood subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is very uncommon. We report a unique case of SCLE in a dark-skin individual. A nine-year-old Nigerian boy who initially presented with recurrent, red, annular, discreet papules/plaques on scalp, face, upper arms, palms, lower abdomen, thighs and later with patchy alopecia, subcutaneous nodules on both upper arms. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology, Alcian blue staining, presence of SSA antibody; and, patient responded to hydroxychloroquine and sun protective measures.

This case reports hyperpigmentation as a feature of SCLE in a dark-skinned individual and the involvement of SCLE in non-photosensitive body regions such as palms, thighs and lower abdomen.