Is it true that you must not use steroids for 3 months prior to IPL treatment?

Question

Hi, I have been using topical steroids for eczema since I was a child. I have recently noticed broken capillaries on my face and having seen a dermatologist she mentioned it was probably down to my steroid use. I am looking to have IPL to get rid of these broken veins, however someone mentioned to me that I must not use the steroid creams from 3 months prior to treatment. Is this the case?

Julia Carroll, MD, FRCPC · Answer

I have no problem with my patients using steroids before IPL or BBL as long as in general they are not continually using them. It is possible that long term steroid use has contributed to the broken veins, or telangiectasia on your face, however it may also be a result of sun damage and aging.  It is difficult to tell without assessing you.  If your dermatologist is concerned about your steroid use they may consider switching you to Elidel or Protopic which are steroid free.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

There are topicals available that are not steroids that may be preferable if you are indeed getting broken capillaries just from steroids. However, what many people fail to realize is that aging and sun are most often the culprits of these things, and so while some people get these while using topical steroids they are not always the initial cause. I have no problem with people using topical steroids with IPL, but really, there may be other things to consider too. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Is it true that you must not use steroids for 3 months prior to IPL treatment?

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Is it true that you must not use steroids for 3 months prior to IPL treatment?

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Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.