Can I use laser hair removal with SLE or lupus?

Question

I was diagnosed 4 years ago with SLE or lupus and it attacks my kidney. I'm on lifetime medication. Like mycophenolate, Cilazapril etc. Is it safe for me to use laser hair removal? Thank you

Russell S. Gornichec, MD · Answer

IPL and diode laser therapies use a light based technology to heat up the pigmentation in the hair follicle to destroy it and keep it from growing. SLE/Lupus is a photo sensitivity disorder and light (UV based) can activate skin reactions especially in the facial regions. My recommendation is to avoid light based therapies on the facial area if you have this diagnosis. That being said Lupus does have associated skin pigmentation lesions that sometimes develop and I have had patients that have undergone IPL pigmentation removal from the facial area successfully using IPL technologies.  This was done after lengthy consultation and with the consent of their rheumatologist/dermatologist because other de-pigmentation protocols had been unsuccessful. I have also performed diode and IPL laser hair removal to other body regions in Lupus patients successfully and without adverse reaction but this was accomplished on a case by case basis with explanation of risks, and test regions were performed prior to initiation of larger area treatments. My advice is to talk to your care provider about the risks and discuss this in detail with the laser hair clinic medical director. Their are other options for longer term and permanent hair removal that may have a less risky profile (i.e topicals, electrolysis, threading, etc.)

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Can I use laser hair removal with SLE or lupus?

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