Intense Pulsed Light Improves Facial Telangiectasia and Acne-Induced Post-Inflammatory Erythema in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disease. Standard treatment typically involves corticosteroids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants; however, long-term corticosteroid use can lead to adverse cutaneous effects, including facial telangiectasia and acne vulgaris. While medical management often addresses active acne, residual telangiectasia and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) frequently persist as challenging cosmetic concerns.

AIM

To study the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) in treating facial telangiectasia and PIE in patients with SLE; to record the possible adverse reactions of this treatment.

METHODS

We present a case of a 21-year-old female SLE patient with facial telangiectasia and PIE. The treatment protocol incorporated five sessions of IPL therapy using dual-band vascular filters (530-650 nm and 900-1200 nm) along with a 590 nm filter.

RESULTS

After five sessions of IPL treatment, the facial telangiectasia and PIE of the patient were improved. During the 6-month follow-up period, no adverse reactions and worsening of SLE were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-energy IPL may be a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing steroid-induced telangiectasia and acne-related PIE in SLE patients.