Fraxel Laser to Treat Discoid Lupus?

asked 2 years ago by CatDiva89 in Tri-State Area
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 1,633 times
Tags: back, face, neck, female, steroid

I suffer from discoid lupus on my face, neck and back. Would the Fraxel laser remove the lesions? Other steriod topicals and malaria drugs did not work.

3 answers to Fraxel Laser to Treat Discoid Lupus?

Conventional treatment first for Discoid Lupus

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic, scarring photodermatosis which occasionally occurs in patients with systemic lupus but usually occurs on its own. About 5% of patients with DLE go on to develop the far more serious and less common systemic lupus. Sun avoidance is of paramount importance. The one patient of mine who died from SLE began with discoid lupus, liked gardening, did not heed my advice and her rather tame DLE turned into the ravenous wolf which is systemic lupus.... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Fraxel laser and dsicoid lupus

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic skin condition that may be active or mature and "burned out." The depressions centrally in the lesions of DLE may improve with Fraxel but this is risky as there may be a greater chance of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in your skin causing darker brown spots. Even if the scars raise they the skin will not look like normal tissue. Lastly, there is a chance that DLE can be exacerbated by trauma. This is called the Koebner response or... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

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