Fraxel laser and autoimmune diseases – are they compatible?

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease and had a consultation with a doctor who does Fraxel laser treatment. She didn't consider it a counter indication, but I am finding mixed answers on the internet. Comment?

There is no evidence, that I have ever seen, in scientific literature or in thousands of patients, that Fraxel laser aggravates joint problems due to autoimmune diseases. It’s different if an autoimmune disease causes a rash on the face in the area to be lasered. Then, a dermatologist who is an expert in this area should be consulted first.

 

There is some debate though about whether antiinflammatory or “biologic” medications, often used for autoimmune diseases, affect the healing process which would include lasers. There is still no clear answer to this. With the Fraxel, the anti-inflammatories don’t generally cause problems, it’s more a question of whether the improvement is less. Again, there is no clear answer to this.

 

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

 

Read Dr. Irwin’s Guide to Fraxel Lasers.

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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