OBJECTIVES: To identify patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments used in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify PROs used in CLE patients. We searched PubMed, and Web of Science/MEDLINE databases to identify studies using “CLE/cutaneous lupus erythematosus,” in combination with PRO-related keywords such as “quality of life,” “self-report,” and “instrument.” English language articles published between 2003 and 2014 were identified. RESULTS: A total of 482 citations were identified in the initial search of the journal databases. A total of 305 abstracts were excluded as the studies were not conducted in CLE patients, or did not use PRO instruments. After reviewing the remaining 177 abstracts in detail,  12 studies were included in the final summary review. Aside from generic instruments, potential disease related instruments that have been used in CLE patients include Skindex (16 and 29 items), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI), and global assessments of pain and pruritus using Visual Analog Scales (VAS).  CONCLUSIONS: There is a limited number of studies examining PRO in patients with CLE. We identified several dermatology quality of life instruments commonly used in CLE patients, but their validity and psychometric properties need to be further evaluated to determine whether they are appropriate to use in this population. Further studies are needed to better understand the impact of CLE from the patient's perspective.