A relationship between migraine headaches and the skin condition known as Rosacea (abrchronic redness of the face usually affecting the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose) has longbrbeen suspected by certain members of the medical community. However, insufficient databrexisted to confirm. That has now changed.
The results of a large study, recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, confirms that women with migraines have an increased risk of developing Rosacea, particularly as they get older. (Interestingly, no such correlation was noted in the male participants.) More than 100,000 migraine patients in the United Kingdom were part of the study.
Triptans, a family of drugs used to treat migraines by constricting blood vessels to relieve swelling, were also scrutinized. The study found that women taking Triptans also showed an increased risk for developing Rosacea.
—S.H.
Bottom Line: Rosacea and migraines both have vascular components. A connection is logical. And it’s a connection you may wish to discuss with your physician.
