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Aspirin - The Anti Flusher

During any form of exercise, the muscles and blood vessels release arachidonic acid products which increase blood flow, cause local inflammation and stimulate the release of other dilator substances. That may give you a red face for the whole day. The best way to block the generation of arachidonic acid products is with prescription cyclooxygenase blockers (COX 2).

But aspirin does a very good job also (better than ibuprofen). The reason why I suggest an enteric coated aspirin (81 mgs) before and after the workout is (1) to decrease the potential of gastrointestinal side effects, (2) to have the aspirin in the system before exercising because it is easier to block an enzyme such as cyclooxygenase before it has been activated by exercising and (3) after exercise because increased blood flow to the face actually


delivers more medication to the facial skin through simple flow dynamics. It certainly is not the answer to blocking flushing, but it may reduce flushing somewhat and help reduce the "payback syndrome" the following day. Inderal might also work for flushing in low doses (10mg per day). See the manual for more information about the beta blocker Inderal (Propranolol), and facial blushing.

Half a regular size Bayer aspirin tablet, which is 81 mg last about 5 hours. Enteric coating is a delayed-released safety coating that provides added stomach protection. The enteric safety coating is designed to allow the aspirin to pass through the stomach to the small intestine before dissolving. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.