You’ve no doubt heard about some of the benefits that come from using capsaicin in one form or another, like its ability to relieve quite a variety of different symptoms and ailments. It’s useful for relieving sinus congestion, and has even been shown to offer relief from chronic migraines and cluster headaches.
You probably also know that it’s shown some effectiveness in being used topically, as an active ingredient in various joint and muscle creams. If so, it will be helpful to you to better understand the nature of capsaicin cream strengths and the different effects each strength can have when applied.
How It Works
Capsaicin cream strengths come from the concentration of capsaicin in the cream. Depending on the level of capsaicin in the cream, you’ll experience a number of different side effects and that’s totally normal; you’re basically applying hot peppers to your skin. It’s effective, though, because what it’s doing is reducing a chemical your body produces, that in turn sends pain signals up to the brain. Take some comfort in the knowledge that after prolonged usage, as with chronic pain, no matter what the level of capsaicin cream strengths you’re using, the discomfort will lessen.
The Difference Between Capsaicin Cream Strengths
There are tons of different topical creams on the market and just as many different capsaicin cream strengths available, and not all of them are very helpful in informing you what those strengths even mean or what you can expect.
As previously stated, the major difference between capsaicin cream strengths lies in the overall concentration of capsaicin in the cream. The baseline for capsaicin cream strengths is somewhere around .075% capsaicin, which you’ll find in the majority of capsaicin-based creams.
If that’s too much for you, though, – the burning and tingling sensation getting too close to overwhelming – you can take it a step down. Other capsaicin cream strengths include creams that offer a .025% concentration, which offers comparably fewer side effects and discomfort.
Typically, you will change up the level of capsaicin cream strengths depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing and trying to alleviate. Incredibly high concentrations of capsaicin cream strengths, such as a solid .25% concentration, should usually only be used with a doctor’s recommendation.
It’s definitely worth mentioning again, though, that regardless of what capsaicin cream strengths you’re using, the burning side effects will lessen over time. It is recommended to allow a few days to a week or more for the discomfort to fade.
Other Capsaicin Cream Strengths
There are as many different capsaicin cream strengths as there are topical creams out on the shelves, and with just about as many different uses.
You can typically find capsaicin cream strengths ranging from .025% on the bottom end of the spectrum to .075% for things like joint and muscle aches. When you get around the higher levels of capsaicin cream strengths, like the .1% and .25% concentrations, you’re entering the realm of creams and topical agents meant for severe osteoporosis pain and the like.
The Different Creams Available
If you are interested in trying some form of capsaicin cream for the relief of aches and pains there are quite a few different creams for you to choose from. It’s worth mentioning, as an aside, that no matter which kind of cream you end up using, don’t forget to wash your hands when you’re done applying it. That burning discomfort you get from applying it wouldn’t feel very good if you got it in your eyes, or on your child.
Anyways, as far as different capsaicin cream strengths and types of creams available to you, you’ve pretty much got your pick of the litter depending on what it is you’re looking for. Remember, the higher the level of concentration in capsaicin cream strengths, the more effective and immediate the cream is going to be at the relieving of your pain – the longer it will take for you to get used to, though, as well.
- Capzasin-P comes in a variety of strengths, including a .15% and .025% with menthol to assist in the relief of the burning sensation that accompanies its application.
- Zostrix puts out quite a few different capsaicin cream strengths for you to try, for a variety of different uses. Arthritis relief creams can be found at .025% concentration, whereas diabetic foot pain creams are available at .075% concentration. There is also a much higher concentration available with .1% concentration.
- Salonpas creates a patch with a cream containing .025% concentration that is easily applied and contains menthol to assist in the relief of burning discomfort.
- Qutenza offers a patch, available through healthcare providers, with a capsaicin concentration of 8%. It is only for the treatment of neuropathic pain but has been shown to be highly effective in patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia.
- Trixaicin features capsaicin cream strengths ranging from .025% to .075% for use in the relief of numerous types of muscle and joint paint.
A Final Word
Hopefully, by now, with everything we’ve gone over in this article, you’ve gotten a much better understanding of the different types and kinds of capsaicin cream strengths there are out there. As we stated before, there are just about as many different levels of strength in the creams as there are creams out on the shelves.
Make sure you take the time to research what it is you’re using, and also what it is you need it for, before you go out and make a purchase of capsaicin cream. It’s incredibly helpful stuff for a whole assortment of ailments, but you may be buying something that’s a little too potent for the purposes you need.
A couple final notes to remember: when you get around to getting capsaicin cream, it’s usually most effective applied after taking a shower or whenever you’re done working out. Also, be sure to give it a few days for that burning sensation when you apply it to go away. It doesn’t last forever, and if you find you’re having trouble tolerating it, you can definitely always find a cream with a lower concentration of capsaicin that can suit your needs.