Hot peppers applied to the skin as a remedy for pain? That is what the title, above, implies, and it is something most might scoff at; like banging your hand with a hammer to remedy a headache. Yet, research shows that capsaicin cream can serve as a cure for neuropathy.
It is interesting to do a bit of searching for information about capsaicin cream for neuropathy on the Internet. Why? Because the information all leads to the same answer and that is that (according to the National Institute for Health) “capsaicin has been used as a topical analgesic for centuries. Available in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths, capsaicin preparations have been studied and utilized for management of neuropathic pain.”
Neuropathic pain…this is a simple term but it explains a diversity of issues. For instance, the basic definition of it tells us that it is a “complex, chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves may be damaged, dysfunctional, or injured. These damaged nerve fibers send incorrect signals to other pain centers.”
Now, right here we can recognize a challenge to managing neuropathic pain simply because the nerves may be mis communicating with the brain. After all, one of the most well-known variations of neuropathic pain is “phantom limb syndrome” in which a missing limb is the source of pain that is, technically, impossible. However, the pain is real and comes from remaining nerves that are simply “misfiring” and sending pain signals to the brain.
Other causes for neuropathic pain include diseases like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, HIV/AIDs, shingles, and conditions such as alcoholism, spinal injury and chemotherapy treatment. Yet, in all instances, the use of a capsaicin cream for neuropathy is found to be effective.
So, is that it? Story over? Just use a capsaicin cream for neuropathy and you are home free? Sadly, the answer is no. Though it is effective in many instances, it may not be ideal for all.
There are some specifics that anyone eager to begin using capsaicin cream for neuropathy will want to know, and it has to begin with the mechanism of capsaicin cream for neuropathy. After all, how can a topically applied compound work with damaged nerves that are sending incorrect messages to the brain? Actually, capsaicin is ideal for this challenge.
The Mechanism of Capsaicin
An all natural ingredient that is responsible for giving “heat” to hot peppers, capsaicin is “spicy” and yet entirely edible and safe for use as a topical cream. When properly dried and processed, it is noted for relieving pain.
It does this in a very simple way – it tricks you.
Let’s let a medical professional explain how application of capsaicin cream for neuropathy will work: “Capsaicin activates TRPV1 in nerves in the skin. But, if exposed to capsaicin for long enough, these pain nerve cells will become ‘exhausted’, having depleted their internal chemical stores…The nerve cells are no longer able to respond to capsaicin (or indeed, anything that might cause pain) and so you are no longer able to perceive pain. This is why chronic exposure to capsaicin acts as an analgesic.”
And as we know, analgesics address pain. So, the individual who requires capsaicin cream for neuropathy can count on it to cause an immediate and direct action with the nerves in the area of pain – regardless of where they might be. They can then apply the cream, trigger the typical response and get the desired results at the “local” area of the pain.
By exhausting the supplies of natural chemicals responsible for telling the brain that there is the threat of pain, it can effectively bring an end to pain. Because it is applied directly to the area where nerves are damaged, it is quite likely to speak directly to the nerves causing the neuropathy.
Is it effective for all types of neuropathy? A series of studies published and evaluated by the Cochrane Library discovered that it was ideal for those with neuralgia, HIV related neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy and many patients struggling with chronic pain. In fact, when treated with a patch or capsaicin cream for neuropathy, they also enjoyed better sleep and overall quality of life.
Choosing to Use Capsaicin Cream for Neuropathy
Obviously, if you are struggling with any sort of neuropathy, the first step is to speak with your physician about the use of capsaicin cream for neuropathy. If a local analgesic is going to be safe and effective, there is no reason you cannot experiment with a capsaicin cream. It is often commercially available as an OTC (over the counter) cream at a .025% to a .1% solution. These can be applied to the area up to four times per day.
There are clinical applications that use a potent 8% patch applied (by your doctor) to the skin for roughly one hour, and then removed. This is actually quite uncomfortable and the area where the patch is applied is treated with a numbing agent. This is clearly something that your doctor will have to approve and manage.
If the two of you speak and determine that you can safely use an OTC capsaicin cream for neuropathy, you will simply need to plan the different times of day when you will apply it, and see how it benefits your condition. If it seems that the neuropathy is somehow worsening, stop using the cream and contact the doctor right away.
Of course, you can also easily make your own solution at home. Use an organic cayenne pepper and a high quality, organic olive oil in a five to one ratio. A good “starter” formula is five tablespoons of oil to one tablespoon of pepper. Blend well with a wooden spoon or popsicle stick and carefully apply to the area where pain is present. Don’t use a huge swath on your first try – create a “control” area and gauge your response.
If all goes well, you can then begin applying the homemade or store bought capsaicin cream four times each day. You will soon notice that it does not feel as hot or tingling as it originally did, and that is a sign that the treatment is working. As your response is less severe, your pain will also begin to lessen. You will have started to use up the natural pain signal compounds, and this can really help with neuropathy over the long term.