Do topical calcineurin inhibitors treat cutaneous lupus?

Cutaneous lupus affects the skin and can produce persistent plaques, scale, colour change or areas that heal with textural alteration. A topical calcineurin inhibitor reduces local immune signalling, so it may be useful when inflammation is limited to accessible skin. It is not a substitute for assessing whether lupus is active elsewhere or whether a lesion could leave scarring or hair loss. The right treatment depends on the subtype, body site, appearance and response over time.

Have a dermatologist confirm the lesion before starting treatment, particularly if it is new, thickening or changing. If prescribed, apply a thin layer according to the schedule and avoid rubbing the area. Protect exposed skin from sunlight with shade, clothing and sunscreen selected for your skin. Keep a simple record of new lesions, scaling, tenderness and changes in hair-bearing areas so the clinician can judge activity rather than colour alone.

Arrange prompt review for rapidly expanding plaques, painful sores, marked crusting, new scarring, or hair loss within a lesion. Seek medical advice for fever, joint symptoms, unusual fatigue or other new symptoms alongside a skin flare. Burning, swelling or worsening redness after application also warrants a treatment review, especially if the skin is broken.

Ask which cutaneous lupus subtype is suspected, whether the lesion shows active inflammation, how sun protection fits the plan, and how long to assess the response. Clarify whether you need monitoring for scarring, hair loss or symptoms beyond the skin.