A patient presents with a butterfly rash across the cheeks and nose. This is the classic presentation of which condition?

The malar (butterfly) rash of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is erythematous and spans both cheeks and the nasal bridge (avoiding the nasolabial folds). It is a hallmark of SLE and is part of the 11 ACR classification criteria. Oral manifestations of SLE include painless ulcers. The anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith antibodies are specific markers. Rosacea also appears in a butterfly pattern but has pustules/papules and is not autoimmune.