This protocol covers the management of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) in patients who present with localized cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) skin lesions — a defined clinical subset with a structured, evidence-informed treatment approach.
Localized CLE skin lesions represent a presentation where topical agents serve as the foundational management across subtypes. The evidence base for topical therapy in localized disease, while clinically established, remains supported by a limited number of controlled studies.
For selected patients in this scenario, the protocol involves thalidomide used alongside antimalarials — the full dosing strategy, tapering criteria, and patient selection requirements are set out in the complete structured regimen.