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Diagnosis

Last reviewed 1 Jan 2018

The clinical picture may be sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of CDLE. If in doubt, skin biopsy may be performed. The presence of red, scaly circular lesions on light-exposed skin is suggestive. Detachment of an adherent scale from a lesion will reveal the characteristic plug that has occupied the pilosebaceous follicle - the carpet tack or tin tack scale. In a small number of cases, circulating antinuclear antibodies may be detected.

If in doubt, a skin biopsy of

a fresh lesion - for histopathology
an old lesion - for immunofluoresence may be performed to confirm the diagnosis (1)

Reference:

1. Nayla Idriss et al. Dark brown scaly plaques on face and ears. JFP 2006; 55(6)

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