The effects of topically applied hexyl nicotinate lotion on the cutaneous blood flow in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.

The effect of the epicutaneous application of 0.1% and 1.0% hexyl nicotinate lotion on upper limb skin blood flow was investigated in 25 patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and five healthy volunteers. Assessments were made using laser Doppler velocimetry. The 0.1% lotion induced an increase in cutaneous blood flow in both controls and patients when applied at different sites on the upper limb. Increased cutaneous blood flow occurred more often when the lotion was applied to the forearm than to the fingers. A greater increase in blood flow and an increased percentage of positive responses was elicited with the 1.0% hexyl nicotinate lotion. Hexyl nicotinate lotion may be of value in the topical treatment of RP.