Lupus erythematosus is a “collagen disease” considered actually as an autoimmune disease. There are three forms:  chronic, subacute and exanthemous or systemic.  The buccal mucosa and the lower lip are the most affected areas.  On the buccal mucosa it shows as a circumferential or oval circumscript lesion with a red center, atrophic depressed scarring or erythematous areas somewhat more depressed than the mucosa surrounding it, with a radiated aspect.  In cases with a long evolution the central zone becomes more atrophic and has a lichenoid aspect.  Lupus oral lesions can also frequently simulate other diseases such as lichen planus or leukoplakia. (see pictures)

Copyright 2000.Arthur Nouel-Todos los derechos reservados.