Lupus erythematosus (LE) represents a spectrum of inflammatory autoimmune disease comprising varying clinical entities ranging from primary cutaneous to systemic disease. There is a clear relationship between ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) and the clinical manifestations of LE in both adult and pediatric populations. Although it has been established that UVR exacerbates pre-existing LE, it remains unclear whether UVR induces the development of the disease. This review serves to discuss effective photoprotective measures in LE and describe the pathogenic relationship of UVR and LE.