Capsaicin is a natural substance extracted from hot pepper plants and formulated into a medicated cream for conditions such as arthritis, nerve pain and fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread muscle aches, fatigue, memory loss and muscle tenderness. It can occur on its own or secondary to another disease. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but products that contain capsaicin may improve symptoms. Ask your doctor if capsaicin would be beneficial for your condition.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyositis, affects people physically, mentally and socially. The National Fibromyalgia Foundation reports that as of 2011, an estimated 10 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is sometimes called a syndrome rather than a disease, because there are so many aspects to the disorder. Painful areas called tender points located all over the body are the most recognizable part of the disorder. Chronic pain is accompanied by depression, fatigue and sleep problems. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder with no known cure, so individuals treat the symptoms with lifestyle changes, prescription medications and alternative medicines.
Capsaicin
Although cayenne peppers cause a burning sensation when applied to the skin due to their active ingredient, capsaicin, hot peppers can actually reduce inflammation. When applied to the skin's surface, capsaicin causes the body to release a neurotransmitter called substance P, which transmits messages of pain to the brain. Some scientists believe that people with fibromyalgia have muscle tenderness because of an increased amount of substance P, so capsaicin cream may be beneficial for reducing the amount of pain in people with fibromyalgia. Capsaicin treatments are available over the counter as a topical cream, spray or dermal skin patch.
Research
Scientists have studied capsaicin for numerous conditions, but especially for neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders. An efficacy and sensitivity analysis published in March 2004 in the "British Medical Journal" showed that capsaicin provides significantly better results than placebo cream for musculoskeletal pain. Study participants reported a therapeutic effect up to four weeks after the study. In a 1998 study published in "Neuroscience Letters," scientists used capsaicin cream to help ascertain fibromyalgia patients' responses to pain. Capsaicin cream was applied to the forearms of patients with fibromyalgia, then pain and tenderness levels were measured. Results showed that pain receptors in patients with fibromyalgia may amplify pain and that repeated use of capsaicin may reduce these responses.
Warnings
Capsaicin is a natural substance, but adverse reactions to the phytochemical are still possible. Common reactions include a slight burning sensation, redness and tingling of the skin where you apply the cream. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying capsaicin cream, or use disposable gloves. Use capsaicin products exactly as recommended on the package, and do not apply capsaicin cream to inflamed or broken skin. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include rash; difficulty breathing; and swelling of the eyes, throat or mouth. Talk to your doctor before using capsaicin-based products for your condition.
References
- PubMed Health: Fibromyalgia
- National Fibromyalgia Foundation: Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Cayenne
- "British Medical Journal"; Systematic Review of Topical Capsaicin for the Treatment of Chronic Pain; Lorna Mason, et al.; March 2004
- "Neuroscience Letters"; Increased Capsaicin-Induced Secondary Hyperalgesia; V. Morris, et al.; July 1998
- Drugs.com: Capsaicin Cream
