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

TL;DR

This study found that laser hair removal using Alexandrite laser does not worsen Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) activity.

Contribution

The study is the first to investigate the effect of Alexandrite laser, which emits red and infrared light, on SLE activity.

Findings

No significant changes in SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI-2K) after laser hair removal.

Serum levels of Anti-ds-DNA, C3, and C4 remained stable before and after treatment.

Laser hair removal was found to be safe for SLE patients without inducing disease exacerbation.

Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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