title: Laser therapy in the treatment of connective tissue diseases: a review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Connective tissue diseases (CTD), including lupus erythematosus (LE), scleroderma, sarcoidosis, and dermatomyositis, present with clinically unique cutaneous manifestations often resistant to conventional therapy. The use of lasers in the treatment of various dermatologic conditions continues to expand, presenting an opportunity for incorporation of another mechanism of action in the treatment of CTD.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the use of laser therapy in the treatment of LE, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, and dermatomyositis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A MEDLINE search was conducted to find articles detailing treatment of CTD with laser therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-nine published articles were identified. The outcomes and results of case reports were reviewed for each CTD when possible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laser therapy offers novel and often effective treatment for recalcitrant cutaneous conditions in LE, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, and dermatomyositis. Review of the literature revealed a limited number of reports, many describing outdated technologies and techniques. It is therefore difficult to draw substantial conclusions regarding safety and the known association with photosensitivity. More-recent reports suggest that, with continued evolution of technology and understanding of CTD, lasers will have an expanding role in the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of CTD.
authors.affiliation: Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Jeremy A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Brauer
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Gordon Spratt
authors.forename: Roy G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Geronemus
mesh_terms: D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000601:surgery; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome