Capsaicin

Uses

Capsaicin is the ingredient found in different types of hot peppers that is extracted to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis or shingles, among other things.

Capsaicin is primarily used to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis, although it's also used to treat mild to severe pain for some who have persistent pain after shingles and pain associated with skin conditions such as psoriasis. It can also be used to relieve pain associated with Brachioradial pruritus, Nodular prurigo, and atypical facial pain.

Capsaicin is a topical cream made from extracted alkaloid in red chilli peppers. Capsaicin works by first stimulating and then decreasing the intensity of pain signals in the body. Capsaicin stimulates the release of a compound believed to be involved in communicating pain between the nerves in the spinal cord and other parts of the body.

Dosing

Capsaicin is a cream that can be purchased over the counter. You can apply it to the affected area three or four times a day by rubbing it in with your fingers. You may feel a burning or itching sensation the first few times you use the cream, but this will gradually decrease with each use. If it's being used to treat persistent pain associated with shingles (Herpes Zostrem), it should only be applied after the shingles have healed.

If used every day, you should begin to feel pain relief in at least one to six weeks. You should continue to use it even after you get pain relief; if you discontinue use and the pain returns, begin using it again.

Side Effects

About half of those who use Capsaicin will experience stinging or burning after the first application, but it should diminish after several uses. It may help to take a bath or shower before or after use to reduce the burning or stinging. It's helpful to begin with small amounts, and increase the amount as you get used to it. An allergic reaction is also possible.

Notes of Precaution

Don't take Capsaicin if you have high blood pressure or are being treated for high blood pressure.

Avoid contact with eyes or other mucous membranes.

Do not use on areas with broken skin.

* Tight bandages should not be used on top of capsaicin cream.