Please Advise

[practice]

Hello- have any Lupus patients ever had laser or IPL treatments for skin disorders and if so how successful were they and what additional care was needed to assist in the process. Thank you

[Clare.T]

I have had two sorts of laser and IPL, sucessfully for the most part.

The lupus should be in remission and antimalarials taken to help protect against reactivation. And a doctor who knows what he's doing ! Those are the main points that I know of.

Good Luck

Clare

[Plaquelgirl]

Hi Practice,

I have had Pulse dye laser treatment and it has gotten rid of a lot of reddness caused by my discoid Lupus. The procedure was painless and I have a good dermie who was able to get my treatments paid under insurance, which is not always the case with what most people look at as COSMETIC. My skin is uneven in scar tissue areas from old lesions, so I am currently using a home microdermabrasion kit by Loreal that so far has helped with the uneveness of my skin. (Only 1 week trial on this,but I'm gonna keep at it). I used to pay $150.00 per session to have an esthetician Microdermabrasion my face, but I'm getting excellent results with this $30.00 product. So I'll stay with that for awhile. I have considered laser resurfacing, since the pulse dye laser can't get rid of the dents or depression marks, but I'm having good luck with this use-at-home product so I might hold off a bit! All the best to you. I know, from the heart, when you look your best you feel best! B)

Luv Plaq

[Curly]

Hi, Does the microdermabrasion stuff (from loreal, I have mary Kay)work on the redness on my nose? I haven't noticed that yet. The dermatolgist told me thta after we get my rash under better control then we could laser my nose, no big deal! does insurance cover it if its lupus related? curly

[Curly]

Clare, how do you know if the lupus is in remission? :blink: curly

[Plaquelgirl]

Hi Curly,

I'm not certain the reddness will go away with Microdermabrasion. The Microdermabrasion kit that I am using really helps smooth out my skin. Make up goes on easier, skin is much smoother. For the redness, my pulse dye laser treatments in addition to a skin bleach (prescribed) has improved my redness. The laser treatments are usually not covered unless you have a really good dermie who knows how to work the billing around it. I have been lucky. The skin bleach I use is called TRILUMA (used nightly) is considered cosmetic and my insurance does not cover it. The first tube I bought cost $112.00 US dollars, but my doctor gave me a bunch a samples that should last me awhile. It doesn't work overnight, but it helps improve the redness a lot faster than not using anything. Talk with your dermie. All the best to you! :overhere:

Also let us know if you find something that does work overnight! :rolleyes:

Luv Plaq

[Clare.T]

Hi Curley
I was in remission because there were no new lesions and existing ones were quiet. There was no constant itching or flaking, blistering or swelling or sensation of burning or heat. For the first time I can ever remember, I wasn't constantly aware of my skin.
Also my back had stopped itching for some strange reason it itches a lot although no lesions there.

Also no joint pains and no more undue fatigue.

ANA went negative from 160-320. Anti -Ro remained but doc said he would have expected that. It doesn't reflect disease activity. They say ANA doesn't either but it going negative is certainly a very good sign.

The treatment was for remaining areas of redness caused by vascularity - distension of small veins similar to spider veins.

Unfortunately it's coming back again - lowering of meds, stress and more UV exposure than usual despite taking fullest precautions, still smoking ? Who knows.

I am feeling very glum about it.

These days laser therapy is done over several sessions with carefully calibrated doses
I have seen photos of a huge indentation like a golf ball caused by lupus panniculitis/profundus largely restored to normal. Also deep scarring from lupus so disfiguring that the woman had never gone out for years, so improved that with make up she was able to resume a normal life.

I didn't get anything from insurance but my doctor very graciously gave me a considerable reduction. The laser would have been about $6,000 I think if not more. I don't know how much the IPL would have cost.

It's all wrong isn't it, considering it's the result of a disease and not elective. If people need an artificial limb nobody would describe that as 'cosmetic'. Appearance is so important in every aspect of life especially in these unforgiving times.

I wonder if cancer patients get help with reconstructive laser therapy costs or reconstructive surgery

Insurance doesn't pay my doc either since he's out of network. I get partial reimbursement from another insurance for such medical expenses.

I am very fortunate.

:tantrum:

Good Luck

Clare