Capsaicin is the component of cayenne pepper that provides most of its hot flavor. Capsaicin also has pain-relieving qualities, which may make it helpful as a topical treatment for nerve pain associated with herpes zoster, commonly called shingles. Ask your health care provider about topical capsaicin before using it as a pain remedy.
Function
When applied to skin, capsaicin temporarily decreases levels of a chemical called substance P that delivers pain signals to the brain, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Shingles develops along nerve lines, causing a blistering rash and sometimes nerve pain. In creams, ointments or other products, capsaicin may reduce pain from shingles and from postherpetic neuralgia, which is nerve pain that continues after the rash disappears. Research on the effectiveness of topical capsaicin for these conditions is limited and results are conflicting, according to the medical center. Some people may get better results than others do.
Products
Topical capsaicin formulations are available over the counter and also by prescription. You can buy capsaicin in lotions, creams, gels, ointments, liquids, sticks, films, pads and extended-release patches. Because topical capsaicin is used for other conditions besides herpes zoster, such as rheumatoid arthritis and muscle pain, ask your health care provider which formulation is likely to work best for you.
Usage
The University of Maryland Medical Center website offers an example of how to use topical capsaicin. Apply capsaicin cream of 0.025 to 0.075 percent strength to the problem areas up to four times per day. Don't apply it to open sores or get the cream on your face or in your eyes. After applying capsaicin cream, wash your hands thoroughly. It may take up to seven days before you experience noticeable pain relief.
Caution
You may experience a slight but temporary increase in pain when you first begin using topical capsaicin for shingles pain or postherpetic neuralgia. Topical capsaicin also may cause itching, burning, redness or soreness at first, but these side effects typically resolve quickly. You might want to test the product on a small area of your skin before applying it more liberally. If you experience continued irritation, stop using the product.
