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Question

Rosacea medication OK to continue during laser treatments?

Can I take Minocycline (100 mg day) to prevent breakouts from rosacea while I get Fraxel Restore (3x), and Laser Genesis (2x), or should I hold off?

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Asked by: JClaxton
Riverside,CA

Answers (3)

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1
November 23, 2008

A drug "holiday" prior to a laser treatment is recommended

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

First of all, you should discuss this with your treating physician. 

In our practice we review with our patients their medications and advise them what to stop prior to a laser skin resurfacing procedure or any procedure which is going to create an open wound.  Depending upon the drug, this may range between 7-14 days.   Additionally, there is a period of time during the healing phase, typically 7-14 days, when you should cease taking the drug or medication as well…this is what we refer to as a drug holiday.  The bottom line is that you need to discuss this further with your treating physician.  I agree with Dr. Haney that medications such as Minocycline are considered photosensitizing, which magnifies the effects of the sun.

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

 

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2
November 22, 2008

Minocycline Do not take it during Laser Treatments

Sachit Shah
Sachit Shah

MInocycline is a photosensitizing medication and therefore you could go very red and get a burn with laser.

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3
November 22, 2008

Medications and Lasers - not always compatible

Lori Haney, RN
Lori Haney, RN

Many medications, including antibiotics such as Minocycline, are considered photosensitizing.  This means that the medication makes one very sensitive to sun exposure.  With this being the case, this would also mean that laser energy (light source)

would be unsafe for most lasers.  In our practice, we require patients to be off any photosensitizing medications and/or products for 7 days prior to their scheduled treatment.  This is referred to as a "wash out" period.  If a patient isn't able to stop, the treatment is rescheduled until they are done with their medication regimen. 

You should discuss your medication regimen with your practitioner since they will be able to advise how this may or may not affect your treatment plan.  In the meantime, please keep in mind that what you do prior to a treatment is just as important as what you do following a treatment.  Good sunscreen and sun protection is always recommended.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Web reference: http://www.celibre.com/Celibreblog/post/2008/10/What-do-I-need-to-know-about-sunscreen.aspx
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Comments (1)
JClaxton
JClaxton
11/24/08

Thankyou!

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