The same ingredient that makes peppers hot can have a profound effect on painful conditions ranging from sprains to pulled muscles to lower back pain and even arthritis. We’re talking about capsaicin – the chemical that’s responsible for an individual pepper’s rating on the Scoville scale. This chemical has become widely used in a number of different treatments, but there are a few things you should know if you’re going to buy capsaicin cream over the counter.
Cream, Oil or Something Else?
While you can buy capsaicin cream over the counter, you might question whether that’s the right option for you or not. You’ll find more options than just the cream out there. You can buy capsaicin ointments, oils and more. Each brings something slightly different to the table. For instance, oil-based treatments might absorb more quickly into the body, while some creams can leave a greasy residue behind. You’ll need to compare your options before making a purchase decision.
Capsaicin Percentage
When you decide to buy capsaicin cream over the counter, you’ll have a couple of options in terms of the amount of the chemical in the cream. The lowest amount on the market is .075%, which is very little. However, it might be enough to treat what’s ailing you. My recommendation is to start with this level and try it for a couple of weeks. If you don’t notice any difference, move up to the next level, which is .25%. While that’s still a very small amount, it’s significantly higher than the lower dosage. Note that many people experience a much more pronounced burning or tingling sensation when using this dosage, so be forewarned.
Is Buying a Patch Better Than Capsaicin Cream Over the Counter?
During your comparisons of the various options available for capsaicin cream over the counter, you’ll no doubt run into the many patch options out there. These are pretty similar to the creams in terms of the percentage of capsaicin included. The real benefit is that the patch is adhesive, so you only have to stick it in place and forget about it. Are patches better than creams? That’s largely up to you. Some people prefer them, while others like creams, and yet others prefer an oil-based treatment.
With that being said, understand that the strongest patches on the market are not available over the counter. These contain 8% capsaicin, and are prescription only. They must also be applied by your doctor, and only stay on the skin for about an hour, or there is a risk of injury. These types of patches aren’t used to treat muscle pain or arthritis, but instead for treating neuropathy-related pain in patients with HIV, diabetes and other conditions.
In the end, buying capsaicin cream over the counter is safe, as long as you understand the process going in. There may be discomfort involved, but it will fade. You may also need to increase or decrease the number of applications per day, or change the dosage of capsaicin to achieve the right results.