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Friday, May 21, 2010
Q Do beta-blockers help reduce flushing from rosacea?
AResponse from Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the NRS medical advisory board, pioneer researcher on flushing and leading expert on rosacea:
In severe cases, a beta-blocker may sometimes be prescribed to help reduce emotionally triggered flushing that is controlled by the autonomic nerves -- the nerves that control functions such as heart rate. This type of flushing usually results from emotional stress such as embarrassment, presenting a talk or performing on a test or onstage. Often, the blushing is accompanied by a sensation of the heart beating, a more rapid pulse, dry mouth and a feeling of tightening of facial skin. The dosage of the beta-blocker is generally lower than for other medical conditions and the heart rate needs to be monitored to avoid too slow a pulse. Patients with peripheral vascular disease or asthma may need to avoid these treatments.
Rosacea patients may also experience “dry flushing,” which is redness without concomitant sweating. Niacin, alcohol and some medications may cause this kind of flushing. Beyond avoidance of such trigger factors, in severe cases specific treatment such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for niacin flushing may be prescribed to help control this type of flushing.
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