Hi Sarahb_70, yes you can have Skin Lupus and it doesn't show up in blood test's and not be autoimmune. There are a number of the skin only variety and can be confused with other skin conditions I'm afraid. The best place to get help with identifying which one is the Dermatologist and once they can pin it down will be able to help you.Good luck and take care.
I think what your doctor means is that you do not have systemic lupus. That is not surprising because, as you said, you were not experiencing fatigue or joint pain or any other symptoms.
You still may have skin lupus. Maybe there are cases where blood tests are negative with cutaneous lupus but biopsy is positive. They usually confirm with the biopsy anyway.
Sometimes « autoimmune disease » is short for systemic autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, I think.
It is very confusing. The one thing that is clear is that you don’t appear to have the type of lupus that damages internal organs.
“Her reply was because cutaneous lupus isn’t a autoimmune condition??” GP.
=== .
This is wrong.
Cutaneous lupus is a type of lupus often called DLE and is an autoimmune, inflammatory disorder. DLE often morphs to SLE as many sufferers have experienced.
This GP seems ignorant, arrogant and has contradicted herself. Hopefully she referred you to the dermatologist rather than you having to refer yourself?
Hi. yes you are correct except for the type of biopsy. A Punch biopsy is used if the rash is confined to the face or where it can't be covered. If the rash is in other place's like the back then the best type is what the call a slash biopsy that gives a wider sample so they can see what is happening not only in the spot itself but also around the skin next to the spot/rash. I have had both types of biopsies on my back and was told that the best type is the slash and that they mainly use the punch type for the face to reduce any possible scar. It's all confusing at times but the Head of Dermatology in my local health area was not impressed about my having a punch biopsy when it was taken from a hidden place and that the slash biopsy gives them a much better sample of what is going on for diagnosis.X
I had red rashes all over my back, arms and knees with a rash sometimes on my face particularly when out in sunlight.
I had what was called a skin punch biopsy ordered by the consultant dermatologist and performed by the nurse near my hip.
Perhaps the terminology has changed?
Either way whether it’s a slash OR punch biopsy, a small sample of skin tissue is taken and examined microscopically. Result: ANA found in my skin cells.😱
My scar has now completely disappeared.
BTW with DLE and skin manifestations of lupus there’s no such thing as a “hidden” place for lupus in skin. For me it was all over.
Even my scalp skin has been affected.
My distressing rashes were all over!
Perhaps a slash biopsy could also mean that skin scrapings are only taken whereas in a skin punch a sample of skin deeper in the dermis/epidermis is taken?
I didn't mean "hidden" the surrounding skin does show a lot more of what's going on and give's a more accurate diagnosis. Yes I had a punch biopsy first but the head of Dermatology in my Health Authority Area that the slash biopsy should be used on the body because it give a clearer view for diagnosis than the punch type and the punch is used for the face and neck.Your experience of your doctor is obviously different to mine, I'm just relaying what the top Consultant of Dermatology in the health area that I live in and run's 3 different clinic's in the NHS and other's with BUPA told me. I'm not getting into a dispute with his expertise and each of our own opinion's. Just repeating what I've been told by someone who is at the top of his specialist field.
I hope your rash is under control and not giving you too many problem's, take care.
The slash biopsy is with the scalpel and is done by the dermatologist who take's the spot with a thin slither of skin about an inch long and need's 3-4. Yes it's sore but I was lucky because my consultant did such a good job it didn't leave a scar unlike the punch biopsy and the biopsy from inside my lip. The consultants at the health authority that I'm under all refer to it as a slash biopsy because that's what it look's like.I have appointment's every 3 month's for the last 6 years with the dermatologist and he is good, although he's getting a bit bald now from pulling his hair out as everything we've tried doesn't really work. My skin and the bloods seem to take the micky along with other bit's of me.
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Confused with results 
Test Results and SUPER confused
confused
confused re blood results 
Confusing antibody test results
