Is there any medication that helps to clean the scar on lupus butterfly [rash]?
A. According to Dr. Andrew Franks, Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine: “It depends on what is meant by ‘clean the scar.’ If the area is flat but is darkened, most lightening creams will not work because the pigment stain is not in the epidermis or top layer, but is in the dermis. Recently, laser technology has been shown to be more effective, particularly with IPL or intense pulse light. This technology also works on residual dilated red blood vessels similar to its use in rosacea. If topographical scars are present there are a few ways to correct. If depressed, the scars can be filled in with hyaluronic acid such as Restylane. If elevated, the CO2 LASER is effective but only with a physician experienced with its use in lupus patients, as with all the above procedures. For example, here at NYU at our Cutaneous Lupus Center, we have performed all these procedures on selected patients who meet our criteria for best risk-benefit ratio.” Q. I wa
