Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse mucocutaneous manifestations. Nasal sores—mucosal ulcers or crusted lesions within the nasal vestibule—are a recognized but often underreported feature. They fall under the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE (oral or nasal ulcers).
Nasal sores often accompany other SLE signs: malar rash, discoid lesions, oral ulcers, photosensitivity, arthritis, or serositis. They may flare during systemic disease activity. nose sores lupus pictures
Lupus nasal ulcers show interface dermatitis, lymphocytic infiltration, basement membrane thickening, and direct immunofluorescence (positive lupus band test in lesional skin). Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune
Beyond internal ulcers, several types of cutaneous lupus specifically target the external skin of the nose: basement membrane thickening