Lupus Pernio (Cutaneous Sarcoidosis): What is it? Exams and Therapy

This disorder presents with purplish-red or blue-purplish nodules and plaques on the nose and cheeks.

To date, the causes of lupus pernio are poorly understood, although it is believed that this form of cutaneous sarcoidosis occurs as a result of an excessive immune reaction, in genetically predisposed individuals. To trigger this "anomalous response of the organism" would be antigens of various kinds and substances dispersed in the environment, such as atypical mycobacteria, polluting particles and more.

Initially, Besnier believed that these lesions were related in some way to lupus vulgaris, one of the most common manifestations of skin infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Lupus pernio is also called nodular sarcoidosis.