Aspirin won't raise pressure

Using Aleve or Tylenol seems to increase my blood pressure. Does aspirin have the same effect? I need something to help with sinus headaches, but don't want to continue raising my blood pressure.

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There is growing recognition that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may elevate blood pressure in susceptible individuals. Aleve (naproxen) belongs in this class of pain relievers.

Regular use of acetaminophen (the ingredient in Tylenol) has been linked to a greater risk of hypertension in postmenopausal women (Hypertension, September 2005).

Aspirin does not raise blood pressure or increase the risk of other cardiovascular complications. It can, however, cause digestive-tract upset or ulcers.



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Is there any research proving that topical vitamin E heals scars faster if applied daily?

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The idea that applying vitamin E oil to scars can make them heal faster has been circulating for decades. The little research that has been done does not support this claim, however.

In one study, patients were followed carefully after skin-cancer surgery (Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999). A moisturizing ointment (Aquaphor) containing vitamin E was applied to part of the scar, while plain Aquaphor was applied to the other part. Neither patients nor physicians knew which ointment contained the vitamin E.

The scars treated with vitamin E did not heal faster. In fact, many looked worse. One-third of the patients actually developed contact dermatitis (red rash) in response to vitamin E.

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Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, can be reached at http://www.peoplespharmacy.com or care of this newspaper.