This ongoing burning pain all over my vaginal area is crippling and my doctor doesn't seem to know what to do. This pain is constant, I am not talking about outbreaks, just a constant burning and itching. I saw capsaicin mentioned as a treatment online and was wondering if it is safe to use the topical cream in that area or should I try the pill?
I have vulvodynia as a result of herpetic neauralgia. Is capsaicin safe for me to use?
- Posted:
- 27 Mar 2011 by Lin52
- Topics:
- pain, capsaicin, postherpetic neuralgia, vulvodynia, doctor, burning
Details:
Answers (7)
msfino28 Mar 2011
Capsacian burns the heck out of my BACK, if I use too much. Please don't let it anywhere near a mucous membrane!! Even if I wash my hands thoroughly after putting it on, several hours later, if I eat something with my fingers, my mouth will burn for a while. Also if I rub my eye unconsciously. Trust me, capsacian is NOT your answer. You need to talk to your gyno and ask them what to do, and tell them how much pain you are in. If the doctor doesn't know, then go see another, possibly at a major University Hospital if you live near one. Good luck, I really feel for you.
Anonymous 
Mary6320096 May 2011
I would like to share my personal miracle cure for vulvodynia with you, if you're thinking about trying the cream. I found that 0.025% Capsaicin cream really helped me!! It does burn initially for 15 minutes after application, but if you can tolerate some pain, the pain does lessen over time. I noticed a HUGE improvement if not total improvement in 3 months of 2x daily application. I encourage anyone with vulvodynia to try it.
12 Jun 2011
I have vaginal post herpatic neuralgia from herpes simplex. I have had left labial burning off and on for 10 years. I was just recently prescribed low dose capsaicin for that area. Yes... the first time I used it it burned so badly I thought I would have to go to the hospital - but it subsided after 20 min. I have been using for one month now three times a day and my post herpatic neuralgia has improved (with the addition of valtrex once daily). I would suggest using low dose - not the over the counter strength! Just be prepared for it to feel terrible the first few times you use it... good luck. What type of doctor do you see? I saw a vulvar pain specialist and he was the one that linked the herpes as causing my pain. Every other MD I had seen prior to that (over the course of 10 years) did not put 2&2 together - even though they all new I had herpes.
25 Sep 2011
My PHN is located in another area (left side, from neck to fingertips), but I had to respond to empathize with your comments about how many doctors you had seen, those who wanted to treat you for something else, or those who didn't believe the kind of pain you were in. Being treated this way can range from frustrating to suicide-provoking. I am so glad you ultimately found something that helps a little bit.
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Hi. SO far I have seen 5 different doctors for this. I have seen 2 GYN's and finally the last doc I saw believed me when I told her how much pain I am in. She said my herpes simplex and this vulvodynia are probaby not related and just a coincidence. At least she believes me like I said. Other doctors kept telling me there is nothing wrong. This doctor put me on another med and it helped at first but not for long. She said she will send me to a specialist if we can't get a handle on the pain. I am glad things worked out for you. I will ask the doc about capsaicin and see what she says. Thanks
I know what you are saying... my gyno thought I was crazy!! I saw 3 different gynecologists who for whatever reason kept treating me for yeast infections! They were not supportive. I would have the burning for weeks at a time and then it would be gone for months. They did not understand. I'm just glad I went to a specialist. I hope it works out for you!