Can systemic lupus cause strias?

[MayaVla]

I'm 34 and was diagnosed with systemic lupus 3 years ago (treatment: Plaquenil 400 mg. and nifedipine for Raynaud's). The past year I've gotten more and more strias on my upper legs, but my weight never changed, also no pregnancy etc. I call them stria because they are linear, white stripes and look like old scar tissue. The part of my skin covered in stria often itches badly.
Are the stria caused by lupus and if so, what is 'the process behind them' and is there something that can be done about it?

I also had upper leg weakness for about 3 weeks (neurological causes+myositis ruled out by a neurologist). I was wondering whether the upper leg weakness and stria could be related?

Thank you very much in advance! Maya.

[MayaVla]

Thank you!

[MayaVla]

Hello, I looked at pictures of the lesions you mentioned, but I don't think they look like mine, also mine don't seem to follow the lines of Blaschko. Anyway, I made 2 photos which you can see on my profile. I think they look like growth marks / striae, but I didn't have them before (and no change in weight). regards, Maya.

[maatson]

If you could post a photo, I would be in a better position to answer.The rarity of linear LE has to be appreciated, and most cases reported are in childhood and presentation in your case is absolutely fascinating from a dermatologists point of view.
Do keep me posted about your progress.

[MayaVla]

Thank you for the information, I'll read the article you mentioned. Kind regards, Maya.

[maatson]

Guess these lesions should be biopsied for a clearer picture and should they be linear LE should be of great clinical interest (Nothing to worry there)

Regards

[maatson]

An Bras Dermatol. 2011 May-Jun;86(3):553-6.
Linear chronic discoid lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko.
Linear LE is very rare and its association with SLE should be rarer.

[MayaVla]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question, I appreciate it.

I'm not taking glucocorticoids (only hydroxychloroquine, nifédipine and domperidon), nor have I taken this before. I understand that one has to see me to give me a diagnosis, but now I do know it's not a  known lupus phenomenon. My rheumatologist doesn't know what causes it, although he did say I have blood-circulation problems in my capillaries (for which I take nifédipine), perhaps this also causes a restricted blood-flow to the skin of my upper legs? They also get very cold, like my feet and hands.

I am reluctant to add another medical specialist to my 'list of doctors', but I understand a dermatologist would have to see the striae to explain them.

Thank you again and with kind regards, Maya.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Usually striae appear in patients of SLE who are pregnant but they can also appear in patients of lupus who are on steroid therapy as a side effect of glucocorticoids. Please check if you are taking steroids.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.