Alluding to a link between rosacea and migraines, Dr. Joseph Bikowski says that aspirin should be the first line of defense against rosacea flushing. A recent article in Dermatology Times highlights the potential benefits (and risks) of taking low doses of aspirin long term for rosacea swelling and flushing.
From: Miracle-worker aspirin represses rosacea flushing
An informal study with his rosacea patients who took a daily aspirin (81mg) reported 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.
The NRS also recommends aspirin: Tripwires – Foods and Beverages
Taking an antihistamine about two hours before a meal may counter the effects of histamine, while aspirin may reduce the effects of niacin-containing foods in sufferers affected by these substances.
And finally, Asprin forms part of Dr. Linda Sy’s rosacea swelling relief regimen.
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.
In the AM: Take a B Complex vitamin that contains 50 mg. of B-6. Avoid
one w/ Niacin (Niacinamide is fine) and 1 Tagamet (200 mg). During bouts of flushing, apply a cool (not cold) compress on face. Do deep breathing 10 times slowly.
See Also:
- RSRP: Aspirin
How about you ? have you take aspirin specifically for rosacea swelling or flushing ? did it help any ?
20 comments ↓
I take aspirin for my rosacea and I do find that it helps. I don’t take it daily, I only take it when I’m in a flare. It helps with the burning and the flushing. I was affaid to take it every day because I have read it’s not good for the stomach……………………….gail
Hi,
I read the article on Dr. Bikowski’s recommendations, and I had a few questions. It seems that the flushing he is referring to relates the the onset of migraines in patients. Patients experiencing the migraines, see visible signs of flushing prior to, or during the pain.
Wouldnt this type of flushing then fall under the category of alcohol or the intake of cold drinks? It seem that this is really an antihistamine issue?
Any further clarification would be great!
Is taking aspirin low dose every day and useing metrogel ok?
Hi Suzi, I’m not aware of any complications taking aspirin and metrogel topically. Please do check with your doctor and let us know what you find out.
As an additional caution, the RSRP Page on Aspirin says “As a warning, Aspirin causes thinning of the blood, so those with bruising or bleeding problems or those on blood thinners should discuss taking Aspirin with their doctors. Also, many rosaceans have reported that Aspirin, NSAIDs and natural salicylates cause additional flushing”. see http://rosacea-research.org/wiki/index.php/Aspirin
I have good results with aloe vera juice. 100%. It will stop flushing quickly and if I drink a small amount before I eat a trigger, the red and flushing never happen. Even with chili powder or alcohol. I read it on a rosecea board once, and it works for me. Have you heard anything else on this?
I couldn’t disagree more! I have found that Aspirin and Paracetamol are major triggers of papules and pustules and should be avoided.
I was put on aspirin and niacin because my cholesterol was a little high. (221). I have noticed more bruising lately. Is this the cause? Thank you.
Hi Donna,
According to Allergic reactions to aspirin and other pain killers, “Common side effects of aspirin include bruising and stomach upset”, so it is indeed possible. It is good to heed warnings about all drugs we take because it is possible to get unwanted side effects.
davidp.
My doctor put me on Sirius, which is a generic for something (can’t remember the name), and it’s only $10/month with my insurance, and works fantastic. The non-generic stuff seriously upset my stomach. I tried the metrogel first, and it made it worse, then the aspin, and no help there either.
metrogel is a totall no-no for me. i believe it addresses the bacteria in the demodex’ gut, without dealing with the demodex themselves, and so if only metrogel is used, there is the possibility that the bacteria will then motivate the demodex to go to war. just a theory.
as regards aspirin, once a day every three days works great for me, however i do know some people are allergic to salycilic acid (which is what aspirin is). for those with such an allergy, aspirin cannot be used – hopefully, other substances will help you.
personally i absolutely cannot drink aspirin on an empty stomach, and will only have it as a drink with a main meal. tastes quite palatable.
btw – people under twenty years of age should always be checked for any major reaction to aspirin .. not sure why, but is pretty necessary so i have been told.
People under 20 years of age can be affected after taking
aspirin by developing Reye’s syndrome which is a serious syndrome-I believe the cause is unknown. There seems to be a connection between three factors: age-teenagers, aspirin, and flu-like symptoms.
We normally advise patients to avoid the over use of Aspirin and Iburofen at our clinic. (elan medical clinic).
difficult to discern amongst the various scams and good advices. usually it is best just to give advice and not promote your company at the same time; especially if you are giving very basic advice – otherwise you come across as a cynical poster, seeking money.
Just to get back to this comment above ; “i believe it addresses the bacteria in the demodex’ gut, without dealing with the demodex themselves, and so if only metrogel is used, there is the possibility that the bacteria will then motivate the demodex to go to war. just a theory.”
I have not seen any evidence that metrogel has any effect on demodex mites. There is also a very weak link between one bacteria sometimes found in demodex and an immune response i.e. possible cause a papule or pustule.
Theories are fine, but I just don’t want people to read all of this as statements of fact when I don’t see it that way.
davidp.
of course, perhaps i did not explain myself properly.
and if, in my explanation, i postulate more theory as fact, please forgive, and also please kindly show me the error of my expression, thanks.
i do not believe metrogel has any ‘direct’ influence or therapeutic benefit whatsoever as regards demodex mites. therefore, i do not use it ..
the one time i did use it, got a massive shooting pain in the area of skin between the upper right cheek and smoother skin below the eye. it was unbearable. a deep red dot appeared on one side of the margin. then, the pain again, and on the other side of the margin, another deep red dot appeared. quite small no larger than half a millimeter.
the demodex could not care less about the metrogel antibiotic, however the bacteria in their stomach *appears* to abhor the substance. therefore i avoid the use of metrogel (topically) as i see it as stirring up trouble without much or any benefit at all.
as regards taking the substance internal, it is a type of ‘flagyl’ antibiotic (spelling) and i just prefer to utilise a range of over-priced supplements rather than risk that family of antibiotic.
once i had to go to hospital in 1996. the nurses thought i had a staph infection, isolated me, and gave me some pretty intense antibiotics, understandably enough. the next day, i looked in the mirror, nearly shouted for joy. my golden tan skin had returned. it went away again after i started eating. anyway, i have a range of theories, and metrogel is not included in any regime, because i see other ways as being more effective long-term.
i believe there is, amongst other things, a staph infection associated with rosacea, in a “diffuse” form, difficult to detect.
regards
j
Jasper,
What are the supplements that have helped you?
Thanks
Jasper. i also have rosacea mine is mild its on my nose onto my cheeks.im dry/very sensitive in those areas but i do break out. Im on metro cream havent seen much improvement,But there again dr gives me samples of a cleanser that has sodium Laurl sulfate and has alcohols well i looked that up and go figure they r skin irritants to very sensitive pple. shows what they know huh lol. I totally agree with u have to get to the root of the problem. Go to http://www.merryclinic.com and look what they have to offer to..But what supplements do u take to keep from flushing.I even went all day without eating only drinking water and i still flushed towards evening.I didnt even get in the wind or sun i stay in all day and i was calm no emotional problems. what gives. anyway take care
Don’t agree with using aspirin. Can thin the blood cause ulcers. Even using tums with the aspirin isn’t good either. To many tums weakens the splinter in the stomach, which then leads to acid reflux, now another whole problem.
I use a nettie pot in place of any nasal sprays. My husband and I swear by this. The non iodized salt that is used with this is very healing, helps with allergies or just feeling stuffed up or when you have a cold.
What time of day should you take the aspirin?
Leave a Comment