To relieve pain of a rheumatic and neuralgic nature, as well as because of problems in the muscles, ligaments and joints, local remedies are often used in the form of ointments and creams. They are considered the best because they do not cause systemic side effects, do not damage the gastrointestinal tract and have a direct therapeutic effect on the damaged area. Of all the remedies for joint inflammation and after closed injuries, capsaicin ointments are the most popular. This substance, obtained from hot pepper, has been used in medicine for many years. It not only relieves pain, but also has a healing effect.
What is capsaicin?
This natural alkaloid is obtained from hot pepper. Crystalline substance was isolated from this plant at the beginning of the twentieth century. Capsaicin is not soluble in water, only in alcohol and certain chemicals. It is the sharpest substance in the world. If it comes into contact with the skin, it causes a severe burn; crystals can only be removed with vegetable oil, alcohol or vinegar.
Capsaicin strongly affects the respiratory system and the mucous membranes, causing a burning sensation. This property is used when adding substance to
gas cartridges and guns. Capsaicin is also used as an insecticide. But, besides this, he discovered many useful properties for human health. And recently, the production of medicines based on it has been launched.
The action of drugs with capsaicin
Now for medicinal purposes, various ointments, gels, adhesives and patches containing this substance are used. The extract obtained from hot pepper contains only 5-10% capsaicin. But still, it has a very strong effect on the body:
- when applied topically, it acts on the nerve endings and reduces the intensity of pain;
- stimulates the production of prostaglandins, which reduce the inflammatory process;
- expands the surface vessels of the skin and causes a feeling of warmth;
- eliminates swelling;
- improves tissue regeneration;
- dilutes sputum and accelerates its excretion from the body;
- has an antioxidant effect;
- has a bactericidal effect.
What are capsaicin used for?
Ointment, the price of which is about 200 rubles, is available to many. And the positive effect of such funds has determined their wide distribution. Drugs that contain capsaicin are used for migraines, digestive disorders, psoriasis and pruritus. It is included in the composition of fat-burning products and dietary supplements to speed up the metabolism. Capsaicin helps with trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, pain from shingles. Recent studies have identified its ability to kill cancer cells and prevent their appearance. But most often used in the treatment of capsaicin for joints, muscles and ligaments.
Such drugs not only have a painkiller effect, but also relieve inflammation and improve tissue nutrition. The therapeutic effect is manifested only after 2-3 weeks of use, although capsaicin relieves pain immediately.
Side effects of capsaicin preparations
The therapeutic effect of this substance is associated with its ability to cause local temperature increase and a burning sensation. But this property of capsaicin can also have a negative effect. Some people experience a burning sensation that resembles a burn; redness and swelling of the tissues occur at the site of application of the ointment with capsaicin. If the drug enters the mucous membrane, it causes severe pain and swelling, lacrimation and mucus secretion. Capsaicin can cause spasm of the larynx and bronchi, loss of voice and even respiratory arrest. Such preparations are especially dangerous for the eyes - they cause a burn of the cornea. It is not recommended to use capsaicin ointments for young children, women during pregnancy and lactation. They are also contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, bronchial asthma and hypertension.
Rules for the use of such drugs
Before using an ointment with capsaicin, you need to consult a doctor. And even if there are no contraindications to its use, it is important to strictly observe the instructions and safety rules:
- Before the first use, you need to test the body's reaction to the drug, applying it to a small area of the skin on the arm;
- ointment is applied to the affected area with a thin layer 2-4 times a day;
- the action lasts up to 6 hours;
- it is not recommended to use such preparations under a warming dressing;
- after applying the ointment, you need to thoroughly wash your hands so that the burning substance does not get on the mucous membranes;
- when a strong allergic reaction occurs, the ointment should not be washed off with water, but with vegetable oil, alcohol or vinegar;
- do not use such preparations for inflamed or damaged skin, as well as immediately after a bath or shower.
Which preparations include capsaicin?
Now the medical industry produces several different ointments based on pepper extract. They have almost the same effect and application features.
- Nikoflex effectively relieves pain and inflammation, dilates blood vessels and warms.
- Espol contains capsaicin, essential oils of coriander and lavender, effectively treats any joint and muscle pain.
- Capsaicin anesthetic cream, in addition to extracts from pepper, contains aloe gel, which helps deeper penetration of the active substance.
- Gel "Lifeguard Forte" with oil extract of pepper, essential oils and vitamins helps to recover from injuries.
- Ointment based on capsaicin "Efkamon" improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition, stops inflammation.
- "Camphocin" - in addition to the extract of capsicum, the warming effect in it is provided by turpentine and camphor.
Ointment "Nikoflex": application
This is a combined drug for the treatment of bruises, sprains, arthrosis, neuralgia, sciatica and for warming up muscles before sports training.
The ointment contains 7.5 mg of capsaicin and has an irritating and analgesic effect. When applied to the skin, it dilates the superficial blood vessels, improves blood circulation and causes a sensation of warmth. Nikoflex not only relieves pain and reduces inflammation, but also improves joint mobility. It can be used 1-2 times a day on clean, dry skin.
Capsaicin analogues
A large number of different warming ointments and gels makes it difficult to choose a drug. But quite often, doctors prescribe drugs to patients that contain capsaicin. Their analogues are also effective, but the warming effect in them is provided with the help of other substances. Based on natural ingredients, you can choose these drugs:
- "Apisartron" contains bee venom, warms and relieves pain well;
- “Viprosal” based on gyurza venom is effective in various injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- in the sanitas balm, the warming effect is provided by camphor and turpentine;
- Sophia cream with bee venom relieves swelling and inflammation, restores joint mobility and reduces pain;
- bee venom also contains an effective gel "911", which not only treats pain, but also restores joint tissue.
There is also an ointment containing a capsaicin analog - vanillamide. This is "Finalgon", which is very popular because it effectively relieves pain in the back and joints.
Reviews on the use of such drugs
Despite the large number of ointments with a warming effect, many choose those that contain capsaicin. Reviews about such drugs are controversial. The substance is very burning, and not everyone can withstand it. But those who are tired of suffering from pain consider warming ointments to be salvation. In addition, the positive property of such drugs is also that the capsaicin-containing ointment is inexpensive. Its price ranges from 100 to 300 rubles, an average of 250. Therefore, any patient can be treated with such drugs. Doctors also often prescribe ointments with capsaicin. They believe that the warming effect helps not only relieve pain and inflammation, but also cures many diseases of the musculoskeletal system. According to doctors and patients, such ointments improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition, help restore joint mobility and relieve muscle pain. Negative reviews are left by those who can not stand the burning sensation and who show an allergic reaction to capsaicin.