Aspirin for Rosacea

A recent article in Dermatology Times by Rebecca Bryant entitled, Miracle-worker aspirin represses rosacea flushing, quotes Joseph B. Bikowski, M.D., a dermatologist practicing in Sewickley, Pa., and a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Ohio State University in Columbus as saying, "I have both migraines and rosacea. Several years ago, I was talking to Dr. Albert Klingman. He mentioned that there was an increased incidence of rosacea in people who have migraines. I knew some neurologists give one baby aspirin a day to migraine sufferers to try and prevent the dilation of blood vessels in the brain." The report goes on to say that Dr. Bikowski:

"He asked his rosacea patients to take a daily aspirin (81 mg) and maintain a log of flushing incidents, rating each day on a 1 to 10 scale. Within a month, many patients were experiencing less flushing and shorter episodes of erythema.

The goal of aspirin therapy is to suppress the vascular dilation associated with rosacea. In theory, that suppresses the body's flush response and reduces the incidence of persistent erythema." Therefore, asprin may help reduce flushing in rosacea and is a simple over-the-counter solution.

The NRS says, "aspirin may reduce the effects of niacin-containing foods in sufferers affected by these substances."

Linda Sy M.D., suggests "At bedtime: Take 1 baby aspirin; 1 chlor-trimeton(4 mg) and 1 tab of Tums (Calcium Carbonate, an antacid to offset the gastric irritating effect of the aspirin." Source

Enteric Coated Asprin

Dr. Bikowski asked his rosacea patients to take a daily aspirin (81 mg) and maintain a log of flushing incidents, rating each day on a 1 to 10 scale. Within a month, many patients were experiencing less flushing and shorter episodes of erythema.

Dr. Bikowski argues, "Aspirin therapy is safe. It's great for the heart. It's great for the colon. Why not the skin?" He further notes that there are few contraindications for aspirin use, it's inexpensive and it can be taken in combination with most drugs.

Dermatologists should advise patients of the standard warnings about the use of aspirin, even at low dosage. These include:

Look for enteric-coated tablets, which are more likely to dissolve in the intestines, avoiding stomach problems.

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