3 Most Effective Ways to Remove the Scars from Lupus Erythematosus

The lesions that develop from Lupus Erythematosus cannot only be pesky and painful, but, when they are no longer lesions, they can leave scars as well. Sometimes these scars seem impossible to remove, but with the proper treatment, you may be able to remove these scars permanently.

The contributing factors in removing these scars are the age and skin type of the patient, along with the severity of the scarring and the individual's ability to heal. Some scars are sunken in and some are just a dark color. Some treatments are specific to the type of scar, so be sure to check on specifics when choosing a scar removal procedure.

Take Care of Your Body

Eating a healthy, well balanced diet, with plenty of Vitamin E can help prevent scars from becoming worse or disfiguring. You should also be aware of the effects that the sun has on your scars. Be sure to keep out of the sun as much as possible and use sunscreen to help prevent further scaring or flares.

Laser or Chemical Treatment

Laser Treatment is the best known treatment for removing scars from Lupus Erythematosus. These lasers use technology to burn the scars right off of the skin, allowing for new, smooth skin to return. This treatment works better for scars that are not already sunken into the skin.

Be aware that if your SLE is currently non-active, certain lasers may cause additional flares, and you must take caution when choosing this method. Instead, you may want to try microdermabrasion or chemical peeling instead. IPL (Intense Pulse Light) comes as the highest recommended laser treatment for Lupus patients.

Cosmetic surgery for those still having SLE or CLE flairs is highly discouraged, as it may cause skin irritation and other problems. Hyaluronic Acid has also been studied as a way to fill the scars.

Commercial Bleach Formulas

For hyper pigmented scars, or scars that appear darker than other skin, you may want to check out commercial skin bleach. Lupus patients need to be especially careful and counsel with their primary Rheumatologist or Dermatologist before deciding to use any bleaching products.

Injections and Oral Treatments

Injections have also been found helpful in controlling scaring before it starts. Oral treatments such as hydroxichloriquine, steroids or azathioprine have also helped many patients. These, however, take longer to show the affects, and work best on removing redness and current rashes, instead of already scarred areas.

Some of these also don't work on lupus patients because the real problem is in the dermis, and not the epidermis, so it depends on the strength of the dosage, and your skin.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a scar removal procedure, no matter what it may be, is to speak with your doctor to determine if the procedure is the right one for you (and if it can adversely affect your type of Lupus Erythematosus in any way).

Scientists are still researching other scar removal methods since SLE and DLE/CLE are still in their research infancy. More information and studies will become available as information is gained and research is completed.