laser or cosmetic treatment

[Leanne Laughton]

has any one tried laser pulse light for scars with lupus or full laser to help improve skin I have had 30 odd years with discoid lupus and sick of bad skin and need to know if any cosmetic treatments have been successful

[Clare.T]

Welcome Jean

I have had laser treatment of various sorts and also Intense Pulsed Light therapy.

That was for sub acute cutaneous lesions mainly redness.

It has to be done when the disease is in remission but still on antimalarials to help reduce any renewed activity provoked by the therapy.
Also done by an experienced physician.

Very remarkable results can be obtained on the various scarring lesions.

That's a long time to be suffering. I sympathise - I was diagnosed 32 years ago but started effective treatment only 6 years ago

All the best

Clare

[Leanne Laughton]

thankyou so much clare for your reply my doctor wont touch me untill I go on steroids I am already on plaquinal do you think I need the steroids as well he is worried about the sensitivety to the light but my lupus seems to be more vasculitis you no cystic lumps under the skin that have left rotten scars he wants me to research how lupus sufferers have faired from this treatment but every one has such different symptoms it is hard I think I am in remission but how can I tell being peri menopausal is also creatinng confusion help

[Plaquelgirl]

Hi Leanne,

I am 33 and was dx with Discoid Lupus just about 1 year ago. I take Plaquenil regulary and use Topical (only) Steroids for lesions (bumps). Because I was not dx correctly in earlier stages, I too am left with ugly scars mainly on my cheeks and some parts of my upper back. I have had a few pulse dye laser treatments with my dermatologist and like Clare's experience it seems to have really helped get the redness out of those areas. The redness can fade to a light brown, so in addition my dermatologist has me use a skin bleaching cream as well. It's called Triluma and is very expensive. $112.00 US. You could ask your doctor if he can provide you with some free samples. I have had a lot of improvement with the color of the scars from this treatment, however, it is not something that will rid you of indentations or depression marks caused by the scars if have them, so I am also looking into the more invasive Laser resurfacing. My dermie is arranging a consultation for me with a specialist to see if this is something that I would benefit from. The pulse dye laser treatment experience for me went well. It's been quick, painless and they give you some groovy sunglasses to wear durning the proceedure. Depending on the intensity of the treatment you get, there will be initial redness for about a week. They can adjust the laser for less agressive treatment, but may require more visits over the duration. I hope this helps. I can relate to what you are going through and wish you the best in the therapy you choose. Having those scars on your face can really shake your confidence and are difficult to hide, but If your doctor feels pulse dye laser can make improvements to your skin it may be worth it. There has been no down side, atleast for me. Let us know how you make out!

Sincerely,
Lori