If you’ve tried capsaicin cream for pain relief and experienced burning, you’re not alone. Burning is the most common side effect of these topical treatments.
You may want to try a non-burning option, like Capsadyn™. This article covers how capsaicin creams work, why some burn, and how to proceed with safe pain relief alternatives.
How capsaicin works
Capsaicin is extracted from chili peppers. It’s the ingredient that makes hot peppers, hot. People have used this ingredient for fast-acting pain relief for hundreds of years. Capsaicin works by activating receptors located on neurons that are sensitive to heat. Activation of these heat-sensitive neurons with capsaicin produces thermal irritation. However, when used repeatedly, capsaicin produces a desensitization of those neurons that were previously transmitting pain messages.
Many turn to capsaicin creams for long-term pain relief due to arthritis, sports injuries, back pain, and other conditions.
Capsaicin creams are relatively safe for daily use–the only known side effect is burning. This has restricted the use of capsaicin creams by some patients. Today, Capsadyn™ offers a unique capsaicin cream formula that doesn’t burn.
Why do most capsaicin creams burn?
Capsaicin cream burns can cause redness, stinging, and blistering in extreme cases. Those with skin conditions or sensitivity are not ideal candidates for traditional capsaicin creams. According to Versusarthritis.org, the primary cause of the burn is capsaicin binding to nerve ending receptors:
“You may feel a burning sensation when the gel touches your skin. This is because capsaicin also binds to specific receptors in nerve endings called VR1 [TRPV1], producing a burning sensation which isn’t caused by any tissue damage. Brief skin redness is common, but high doses of capsaicin can cause skin blisters.”
How do I handle a capsaicin cream burn?
Mayoclinic.org recommends using sunscreen and avoiding sunlamps or tanning beds after applying topical capsaicin creams. Mayo Clinic also states that heat, humidity, bathing in warm water, and sweating can increase the burning sensation.
Generally, irritating heat produced by a topical capsaicin cream can be controlled the same way you can counteract your mouth burning after eating a very hot pepper. This is usually accomplished with cold water or more efficiently, with cold milk.
If, however you experience severe burning of the skin from a capsaicin cream, discontinue use and talk to a doctor immediately. They may recommend ice packs or give you other medication.
How to prevent capsaicin cream burning
The best way to prevent burns from capsaicin cream and still get the pain relief offered by capsaicin, is to choose a non-burning capsaicin formula. Capsadyn™ is the only non-burning capsaicin cream on the market. Capsadyn™ contains a proprietary formulation of capsaicin that keeps it from burning while being absorbed through the skin. This formulation mixes capsaicin with a non-greasy cream that is easy to use.
An additional benefit of a non-burning capsaicin cream is that Capsadyn™ contains highest concentration of capsaicin approved by the FDA for over-the-counter topical medications. Therefore, both the strength and safety of Capsadyn™ make it an ideal candidate for pain relief.
Holistic alternatives and lifestyle changes
Talk to your doctor about opioid free alternatives to long-term pain management. Paired with Capsadyn™, the following methods could provide additional relief for chronic pain:
Massage
Diet changes
Increased sleep and exercise
Massage may help alleviate pain through relaxation, increased circulation and diminishing stress.
Dietary changes require self discipline and dedication to implement, but they can be healthy and powerful treatments. An article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information explains that low protein diets paired with little exercise show trends in back pain–suggesting that increased protein intake and activity can reduce pain.
Both sleep and exercise are important components of a holistic approach to the treatment of pain. Sleep is generally restorative to the body while exercise can strengthen muscle and improve joint flexibility–important particularly for coping with arthritis.
Try Capsadyn™ for non-burning pain relief
Adults and children over the age of 12 can benefit from Capsadyn™:
For best results, follow the instructions carefully when using Capsadyn™.
Test a small area first to determine that you do not have an adverse or allergic reaction to Capsadyn™.
Apply to the painful area up to 3 to 4 times daily.
Rub in the cream until its completely absorbed.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after application.
