Telangiectases and chronic erythema are the usual components of the cutaneous lesions of lupus erythematosus (LE). These vascular alterations are found in the discoid, subacute, or systemic varieties of LE. Steroids, antimalarial drugs, thalidomide, immunosuppresive drugs, sunscreens, and cosmetic agents have been employed in the treatment of these lesions, showing different results. The flashlamp pulsed dye laser (FPDL) (585 nm) has proven useful in a variety of vascular lesions. We have treated four patients with systemic LE (SLE) using an FPDL.
Report of Cases.
Case 1.
A 42-year-old woman was diagnosed with SLE in 1983. She had a malar rash, photosensitivity, and leukopenia and positive findings for antinuclear antibodies and anti-DNA. Facial bilateral telangiectasias were the main cutaneous findings, and a diagnosis of LE telangiectoides was made. Cutaneous examination revealed bilateral and symmetric facial telangiectasias. A skin biopsy specimen and an direct immunofluorescence examination showed features of LE.
Case 2.