Nitroglycerin in Dermatology

Nitroglycerin has traditionally been used in medicine for over 130 years for its potent dilator effect on both venous and arterial blood vessels. Cardiovascular ischemic diseases are among the classic indications. However, the possibility to incorporate nitroglycerin in different galenic forms renders it new therapeutic potential through topical application, both in surgery and in dermatology (Raynaud syndrome, chondrodermatitis, pernio erythema, alopecia areata, ulcers of different etiologies). Nitroglycerin is used for topical treatment as 0.5%, 1% or 2% ointment, lower concentrations limiting the probability of systemic adverse effects occurence.