From:  gnas_@_.edu 
Date:  Sat Mar 27, 1999  3:08 am 
Subject:  [rosacea] Matija - Nasalcrom

Hi Matija,

Concerning the effect of nasalcrom on decreasing redness and flushing of your
nose. Rosacea is quite complex. There can be literally hundreds of
instigators. Sympathetic nerves, sensory nerves, mast cells, immune cells,
damaged vessels, increased number of vessels, damaged skin barrier.........

However, it seems that mast cells may be slightly abnormal in some rosacea
patients -- they are finding increased numbers of cells in some biopsies as well
as increased activity of mast cells in others (via tryptase analysis). Mast
cells are one of the most potent sources of inflammatory mediators in the facial
skin. Futhermore, they are intimately involved in most nasal problems and
allergic reactions. In addition, the substances that they release can activate
nerves which can then release other inflammatory mediators -- it can be a
viscous cycle. If you block mast cell release of these substances, you may
decrease the overall inflammatory response.

Nasalcrom only stabilizes mast cells in your nasal passages and not on the
external portion of your nose. However, sometimes the instigating factor begins
inside the nasal passage. If the inflammation is severe enough within the nasal
passage, it may affect parts of the external nose (due to conducted vasodilation
and recruitment of different nerve types). Thus, if you are able to stop the
'nasal flare', you might lessen the 'red nose'. I think that you have mentioned
that nasalcrom is indeed helping your nose -- great!

But, this should have no effect on your cheeks -- too far away (different
branches of blood vessels and different segments of nerves).

Got to run,

Hope this helps some?

Geoffrey
=======
Dr. Geoffrey Nase, PhD