Figure 3:

Careful clinical examination is often required to distinguish CLE from dermatomyositis. (A) Dermatomyositis of the hands often shows confluent erythema of the skin overlying the MCP and ICP joints and the extensor tendons while (B) DLE lesions are less likely to be localized to these areas and can resolve with scarring. Involvement of the v-area of the neck can appear very similar in (C) dermatomyositis and (D) CLE and requires clinical correlation with other areas of involved skin to arrive at the correct diagnosis.