Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a cutaneous condition characterized by a bilateral malar rash (also known as a 'butterfly rash') and lesions that tend to be transient, and that follow sun exposure. Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a cutaneous condition characterized by a bilateral malar rash (also known as a 'butterfly rash') and lesions that tend to be transient, and that follow sun exposure.