Effect of Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal on the Activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE

While ultraviolet light is a well-known environmental trigger of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it is unknown whether other spectra of light including infrared could affect SLE activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of laser hair removal which emits red and infrared light on the activity of SLE.

METHOD

20 patients with SLE were enrolled. Six monthly sessions of laser hair removal with Alexandrite laser were done. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI-2K), serum levels of Anti-ds-DNA, C3, C4, and CH50 complement levels, and white blood cell and platelet counts were measured before and after the laser course to investigate the activity of SLE.

RESULTS

Most of the participants were female (90%) with a mean age of 32.65. Prednisolone was the most commonly used medication (95%) followed by hydroxychloroquine (90%). The most common skin types according to Fitzpatrick's classification were types II and III. We found no significant differences between the SLEDAI-2K score, and serum level of Anti-ds-DNA, C4, and C3 before and after the laser hair removal.

CONCLUSION

Laser hair removal is safe and does not affect the activity of SLE and might not induce disease exacerbation.