Intense pulsed light treatment for chronic facial erythema of systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report

BACKGROUND : A 33-year-old woman, who had been diagnosed previously with systemic lupus erythematosus, presented with chronic erythema and rosacea of the face. The patient suffered from flushing and burning of the facial skin and sought prior treatment with anti-malarial drugs. METHOD : After various treatment options were discussed with the patient, she agreed to undergo intense pulsed light therapy. RESULTS : Improvement was noted after the first session and 75% clearance was observed at 1 month after a second session. There were no adverse effects associated with the treatment. One year later it was observed that the results of the two treatments had been maintained. CONCLUSION : This case report suggests that there is another safe and efficacious alternative for treatment of chronic erythema and rosacea.