If you’re not familiar with it, capsaicin is found in hot peppers, and is actually responsible for creating the heat that you feel on your tongue and lips when you eat spicy dishes. What causes it, though? And does the capsaicin burning sensation carry over to other things beyond the culinary world? Let’s dig a bit deeper.
What Causes the Capsaicin Burning Sensation?
The burning sensation created by capsaicin is caused by the phytochemical binding to taste receptors in your tongue. There, it creates a sense of heat, without any actual temperature change. The receptors see this the same way they would as if the temperature actually reached 109 degrees F, and signal the brain that the body’s cooling system needs to kick in. You usually start sweating at this point, and your brain will also release endorphins and dopamine. At this time, you will begin to feel a little more relaxed as the endorphins do their job.
If the capsaicin burning sensation is too strong, your best bet is to reach for a glass of milk, or to suck on a hard candy. Water does very little to dissipate the heat (as any “heat seeker” can tell you).
The Capsaicin Burning Sensation and Personal Protectants
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in pepper spray (as the name indicates). It was chosen specifically for this due to the capsaicin burning sensation created when this substance touches the eye or the mucus membranes. While it might produce a sense of heat in the mouth, contact with soft tissues like the eye or inner nose is extremely painful, and can actually cause difficulty breathing. This is what makes it so valuable as a personal protectant spray.
The Use in Pest Control
Capsaicin is also used heavily in pest control. This is generally the synthetic version, as it is considerably cheaper, but it works in the same way. Note that capsaicin pest control products are only effective against mammals – it does not affect birds or insects.
What About Medical Applications?
Interestingly, capsaicin is seeing more and more use in the world of medicine. It’s currently used in a very wide range of ointments, creams and gels for treating mild to moderate and even severe physical pain. The concertation of capsaicin in these products can vary significantly, but they all work in a similar way. One of the most common side effects of these topical applications is the capsaicin burning sensation. This is natural and completely normal. Additionally, it’s the same effect you experience when you eat a hot pepper.
Most patients report that the capsaicin burning sensation diminishes the more they use the cream or ointment, and eventually becomes almost unnoticeable. However, understand that this sensation should not be particularly painful. With that being said, patients using capsaicin creams to treat shingles often do experience more intense burning sensations than those using these creams to treat arthritis or muscle pain do.