Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko

We describe two Japanese girls with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in whom the condition showed a linear configuration following the lines of Blaschko. The clinical appearance was unusual but histological examination established the diagnosis. After reviewing the previous reports, we found that in six of eight patients with linear 'discoid' lesions, the age at onset was under 14 years; no patient has progressed to systemic lupus erythematosus. Patients with 'linear' DLE may compose a certain clinical subset. We propose the term 'linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus' which may be more suitable for the linear lesions of DLE.