Looking for a way to treat arthritis pain? Perhaps you suffer from lower back pain, or maybe you’ve pulled a muscle. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers, has a powerful effect as an analgesic – a pain reliever. You’ll find it available in a number of different formulations on the market. Two of the most popular are capsaicin gel and capsaicin cream. Which is better for your needs, though?
Capsaicin Cream versus Capsaicin Gel
When everything is said and done, there is very little difference between capsaicin gel and capsaicin cream, at least in terms of the active ingredient. Both use capsaicin, after all. The only difference here is the concentration of the ingredient. Some gels and creams have as little as .025% capsaicin, while others might have .075% or even .25%. The higher the concentration, the faster the cream will work. However, it also means that the side effects will be stronger. What side effects, you wonder?
The most common, and one that you’ll definitely experience to one degree or another, is a tingling or burning sensation in the skin when you apply the product. That’s what you’d expect, though. Capsaicin is responsible for the sensation of heat you get when you bite into a pepper, and the same thing happens when you apply it to the skin. In fact, that’s one of the keys to its use as an analgesic.
Other Considerations
While the concentration of the active ingredient in capsaicin gel and cream products should be your primary concern, there are others that you’ll want to take into account. For instance, creams tend to take more effort to rub into the skin, take longer to absorb, and can leave a greasy feeling behind. Gels, on the other hand, usually absorb very quickly, and don’t leave a greasy sensation behind (although the area may feel sticky afterward). This is largely due to the fact that capsaicin gel formulations include alcohol. It helps speed absorption, as well as evaporation.
There are other things that you might want to compare when considering whether to buy capsaicin gel or cream, or an oil, lotion or another similar product. For example, many of these products contain fragrances. This may not be a problem, but some people are sensitive to scents, and they can trigger migraines. For those with asthma or COPD, those scents could actually lead to airway closure and difficulty breathing that cannot be alleviated with an inhaler or oxygen supplementation.
Many of these products are available over the counter, but it is always wise to discuss the decision to use capsaicin gel or oil with your doctor before beginning. While capsaicin is a naturally-derived chemical, it’s possible that you’re sensitive or allergic to it, and your doctor can also clarify whether it will interact with other medications that you might be taking.
Finally, understand that you will not experience immediate relief. It may take several applications before full pain relief is provided, and some people need to wait up to two weeks to see results.