Certain kinds of pain can be exceptionally difficult to treat. One way of treating pain is to prevent the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. Ointments that contain capsaicin can be applied to the skin above affected areas to attempt to inhibit the way that the body transmits pain signals, thus treating otherwise intractable pain.
Identification
Capsaicin, as Drugs.com explains, is the compound found in chili peppers that makes them hot. The same physiological mechanism that allows capsaicin to stimulate the feeling of heat in the taste buds also makes capsaicin an effective treatment for pain.
Substance P
Pain signals are transmitted from tissues to the brain via neurons. These neurons use a special chemical, dubbed "substance P," to help transmit pain signals. Injured tissue stimulates the release of substance P, causing the activation of neurons that signal to the brain that part of the body is injured.
Capsaicin and Substance P
According to Drugs.com, capsaicin creams work by depleting the levels of substance P. The capsaicin is able to stimulate the localized release of substance P. This release, however, goes to neurons that sense heat, not pain. Once the substance P has generated the heat response, it is broken down. Because capsaicin causes substance P to be released for non-pain signaling, it depletes the amount of substance P that can be used to signal pain.
Uses
MayoClinic.com notes that capsaicin-containing topical ointments are often used to treat a condition known as neuralgia, which is pain caused by nerve dysfunction. Neuralgia is a common complication of shingles. Capsaicin can also be used to treat pain from muscle sprains as well as some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Side Effects
Drugs.com explains that the most common side effects from the use of capsaicin-containing ointments involve the skin. Patients using capsaicin topical ointments may experience burning or irritation of the skin that has touched the ointment. Capsaicin ointments can also lead to trouble breathing or swallowing if the capsaicin is accidentally inhaled.
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