Description Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and atopic dermatitis (AD) are both immune disorders that can lead to significant physical complications. There have been several reports of coexistence or association of the two diseases. In cases of concurrence of SLE and AD, patients may require more comprehensive therapeutic strategies for proper control of both diseases’ activities. In addition, physical trauma such as excoriation can exacerbate or initiate cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions, so called Koebner phenomenon.

Herein, we report 12 patients with SLE accompanied with AD. They commonly presented with eczematous lesions or lichenification of the flexural areas with marked itching. They all showed elevation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, thus satisfying the diagnostic criteria for AD. Additionally, ANA titer and Anti-dsDNA antibody were elevated in laboratory tests. Also, they satisfied other diagnostic criteria for SLE, such as acute or chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Under the diagnosis of concurrent AD and SLE, they were successfully controlled for both cutaneous lupus erythematosus and chronic pruritic eczema.

Conclusions If patients with SLE suffer from severe itching that is incompatible with the activity of SLE, it can be helpful to measure IgE levels. Elevated IgE levels may indicate their underlying allergic disorders, especially AD. It is important to screen for other diagnostic criteria for AD in addition to measuring IgE levels. Understanding the coexistence of both conditions allows the physician to provide optimal treatment for the patient. Herein, we report a case series of SLE patients with concurrent AD who show elevated IgE level.