Can I undergo Active FX Laser if I have Sjogren's syndrome?

Sjogren's syndrome is characterized by dry eye and dry mouth symptoms which may or may not be associated with other autoimmune diseases.  As a patient who might have Sjogren's Syndrome, Active Fx should be an appropriate treatment and provide similar results to patients without the syndrome.  If a patient has Sjogren's disease, associated with other autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, and if treatment such as steroids are being utilized, laser resurfacing may not be appropriate because of delayed wound healing and a diminished response of collagen synthesis related to steroid use

If you have isolated sjogrens without other significant collagen vascular disease you could be a candidate for Active FX. A conservative treatment would be advised to evaluate your response to treatment.  If you have significant autoimmune diseases with secondary sjogrens ( i.e. dry mouth and eyes )  Laser  resurfacing may be risky. 

Dear cwolfe123,
Thank you for your question. Whether or not you can be a candidate for Active Fx or other laser treatment may depend on how well-controlled your Sjogren's disease is and whether you scarring or other skin issues in general. Autoimmune disease is definitely a consideration for laser skin resurfacing, and you should be medically cleared by your provider who treats and follows your Sjogren's disease before seeing an Active Fx consultation. 

A quick search of the medical literature does not show any results relating to your question.  I agree with Dr. Emer that if it was a collagen vascular disorder I would recommend staying away from Co2 laser treatment.  However, sjogrens does not affect the collagen production.  A good person to consult if you would like further recommendations is your rheumatologist.  In addition make sure you are not on any photosensitive medications like plaquenil. 

i havet never had an issue with patients undergoing co2 laser if they have sjogrens, if you have scleroderma i would say no or if you are super photo sensitive like lupus then i would avoid sun after treatments.  Best, Dr. Emer.

This depends on your control of your Sjogren's from an autoimmune point of view. In context of complications, you may have to increase your lubrication of your eyes after laser. The reason is that if the lower and upper eyelids are treated, there will be tightness for a few weeks after laser resurfacing. Your specialist will tailor the settings based upon 1. Your skin 2. The level of ectropion you may or may not have 3. The symptoms of your Sjogren's   Complex answer however if you see a conservative specialist, you will be in good hands. Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.