Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Dermatological Treatment

Abstract

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), the most common porphyria, is a rare photodermatosis characterized by fragile, hemorrhagic bullae and erosions with associated milia, hyperpigmentation, and hypertrichosis. SLE is a systemic connective tissue disease with approximately 80% of those affected manifesting cutaneous findings. These include malar and discoid rashes, photosensitivity, bullae, oral ulcerations, as well as a variety of other nonspecific findings. In this case, we illustrate a rare but established association between these two pathologic entities, and the resulting therapeutic challenge in treating a patient with both conditions. The concurrence of these two diseases poses therapeutic challenges with a paucity of evidence-based recommendations. Management with low dose weekly antimalarial therapy may be the appropriate middle ground in effectively treating the two co-morbid conditions especially in a patient with other underlying systemic conditions.

DOI

10.1080/09546634.2022.2060925

Publication Date

8-2022

Keywords

Systemic lupus erythematosus, antimalarials, bullae, hydroxychloroquine, porphyria cutanea tarda

ISSN

1471-1753

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