Capsaicin topical User Reviews & Ratings

• MikeC
• October 4, 2014

For Peripheral Neuropathy "After a spinal injury, I began to experience numbness, pain, and "prickly" feelings in my legs and feet. My toes and bottoms of my feet near the toes were (and still are) completely numb and I have frequent pain and burning in those areas. I bought the Capsaicin cream without a prescription at Walmart, for $10. I applied it liberally to both feet and massaged the areas well. I then put on white ankle socks so I could walk on my wood floors without leaving residue. I did not experience any bad side effects--no burning, etc. The relief from my nerve pain subsided very quickly. After about 15 minutes, I removed the socks and elevated my legs. The medication definitely provided great relief. DO wash your hands thoroughly with soap."

• Solsa
• May 24, 2016

For Peripheral Neuropathy "Capsaicin cream works amazingly well for my sciatica. I apply on the side of my leg, foot, lower back, or wherever I have pain. So, the version 0.1% is too strong. You should buy the .025% version at Look for Rugby Capsaicin 0.025%. There is also a product called Zostrix which you can find with .025% Also: use plastic gloves to apply. You are applying essence of hot peppers to your skin and if you transfer it to your eyes it will really burn. It stays on your skin, so after 8-12 hours I scrub the area down with a soapy washcloth. It reheats if you sweat or take a bath. Without scrubbing it will reactivate if your skin gets wet."

• LUano
• July 10, 2019

Qutenza (capsaicin) for Peripheral Neuropathy "Although I was informed about this treatment and how your body might react to it. My case spiralled out of hands. It was applied to the thorax-wand. Of course different patients react differently. The medics had to call a team to manage my situation. The pain was so much that without a shred of doubt words simply can not explain. The options to help me out was Fentanyl or Anaesthesia to help me cope with the situation. Two days since the happening, I still literally ask my attendees if it was a dream."

• Mkbag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2014

Zostrix (capsaicin) for Osteoarthritis "I applied two doses the first day I got it, to my thumbs, about eight hours apart. Yes, it's true that it's easy to get in your eyes, nose or mouth, and it burns. Even after a shower, I could still feel it on my skin. I expected to have to reapply it each day. But here's the funny part: The pain in my hands is nowhere near as intense as it was, even two days after that initial application. Why? It's welcomed, but kinda weird."

• Millie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2020

Capzasin-HP (capsaicin) for Postherpetic Neuralgia "I bought this Capzasin-HP yesterday and tried it for my post neuralgia shingles pain. I was very disappointed in it as it caused more pain and my skin looked scalded where I applied it. I had to wash it off after 15 minutes due to the intense burning and apply aloe Vera gel three times in order to get relief. I feel it was a waste of my money just to try it as it was recommended. This should be removed from shelves and not sold as I cringe to think of a small child having this used on them. The burning was intense."

• KLano
• September 7, 2019

For Pain "I have read several reviews regarding the Capsain cream and all I can say it's absolutely great. Doctors and Pharmacists need to teach people how to use this product, YOU ONLY USE THE SMALLEST AMOUNT you do not need to use this product like a toothpaste amount . Use sparingly and you will find you get the relief you require. I have spondylitis in my lower back with the pain generate from there into my buttock and without this product life would not be worth living. Hope this helps those who have used it wrongly or someone is serious pain ."

• Sarah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2018

Zostrix (capsaicin) for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I had severe diabetic neuropathy that even 600 mg of gabapentin couldn't touch. I tried this cream once, had no burning side affects at all, just a slight warm sensation. It worked so well that I was able to sleep through the night for the first time in months. I now use it 3-4 times a day. Unbelievable results for me. I swear by this stuff. I went from not being able to have any blankets or breezes on my feet to sleeping with however many blankets and fans I want!"

• Anonymous
• July 24, 2010

For Osteoarthritis "I'm 61, female, and have had arthritis in my hands, knees and feet over the past ten years. Since using capsaicin over the last two years I've found tremendous relief. It burned when I first started using it, but the burning "wore off" after a week, and I find it totally painless to use. I apply it in the morning as well as in the evening. I learned to NOT use my fingers to apply it. Instead, I use the topside of my thumbs, between the first and second joints from the tip of the thumb. That way, I don't accidentally get capsaicin in my eyes (especially when applying my contact lenses an hour later!). I highly recommend capsaicin and suggest sticking with it, even if at first it burns. It's well worth trying."

• B2ree
• November 6, 2013

Capzasin (capsaicin) for Pain "I used this for knee pain per my doctor recommendation. I read the instructions and applied the medication. It didn't relieve my pain, it caused more pain. Severe burning, stinging pain. Even showering to wash the medication off was painful. I had to use calamine lotion to counter the effects. Perhaps my skin is more sensitive than others out there, but I would use caution with this medication."

• jh6111
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2015

For Pain "For years I suffered from plantar fasciitis in my heel. I could not even walk the pain was so bad. I would have to hop on one foot to get around. I tried everything from hot soaks to ibuprofen and new shoes. I saw a free sample of lotion with capsaisin in it, .01 % dose. I had read reviews of all the burning so I had it for month and never tried it. One day the pain was so bad I gave it a whirl. Instant relief! No burning, no stinging, not even a warmth. I can walk again very comfortably. I am so glad I learned of this medication. I donot understand why so many people experience burning and I did not.... But you should try it. Oh and if you live near a dollar store they sell a 7" patch for $1. I got 6 uses out of $1...."

• Got...
• April 13, 2012

Zostrix-HP (capsaicin) for Postherpetic Neuralgia "I have had PHN for 2 years and have been in extreme pain. My Internist told me about Zostrix HP along with the warning to be careful applying it and to wash it off my hands. I started using latex gloves to administer it on my body and after 2 weeks my pain began to subside. I am now at a very manageable pain level. On a 1-10 with 10 being the highest pain I am now finally at 0.5 (point five) after 2 years of being at a pain level of 10 day and night. I use it sparingly (pea sized amount) 3-4 x a day. I highly recommend it if you had shingles and then PHN."

• PWano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2019

For Pain "Tonight was my first night using this stuff and I WILL NEVER EVER USE IT AGAIN!! The burning it gives off is horrible I have tried everything to cool it down and it seems like it's burning worse. I have to be to work at 7 in the morning and here I am at 3:30am writing a review because I can't sleep due to the burning of this cream. I wouldn't recommend this shit to nobody. My skin is so irritated its red as, and burning. I even took a cold towel to wrap around my legs and its still not working"

• Qutenza
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2023

Qutenza (capsaicin) for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Had it done as my feet felt like I was walking on glass. Took 20 minutes before it started to work. Finally, it did. Now just some aching pain, no glass feeling. What a relief it is. No problems after the first treatment. Hope to say the same after the second treatment. Going on Tuesday for the second treatment. Maybe hoping for too much, but looking for a little more relief."

• BIG...
• July 18, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I have put a '5' because I have only been using it for a few days and according to the label it usually takes weeks to work. I would say a couple of things to the other people posting on here. 1. If you think the burning pain (which is definitely there) is unbearable then I can reassure you that your joint pain isn't that bad because comparatively the burning is absolutely nothing compared to the joint pain. I have seen people put comment's like "the worst experience of my life" - You have a pretty good pain free life then. 2. You have to use regularly or it WONT WORK. if you don't use it 3-5 times per day it will just give you local cutaneous burning and will not go through your skin and start helping the desensitising of your nerves."

• white...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 7, 2018

Qutenza (capsaicin) for Peripheral Neuropathy "Qutenza really does work. I did have very intense burning for 15mins for four days. You should never shower, touch the area with water for 48 hrs. The pain can be mind blowing but it does subside and a cool fan helps. Don't let your pets near the area as it will burn them. I have had multiple qutenza and it isn't 3 months before it works. It works straight away it lasts up to 3 months plus. don't apply yourselves use a health professional as it does burn"

• Mende...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 5, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "Probably best to do a small patch test before you use this product. Also, different Capsaicin preparations are more potent than others. I have bursitus in my shoulder and it is very painful particularly when I sleep wrong on my shoulder. Capsaicin is the only relief I get. Now able to sleep through the night, yes, it burns, that's the point, it exhausts the pain receptors in the area. Best product but you have to expect to burn, that's what it does, that's how it works."

• Araluen
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2021

For Peripheral Neuropathy "I had a spinal fusion and developed severe nerve pain in my toe, foot leg and hip. Lyrica and Endone barely controlled the pain and the side effects of drowsiness and constipation were intolerable long term. Some nights the burning sensation was so bad I could not bear even a sheet to touch my foot! I also had pain in my leg and hip. A friend suggested Comfrey cream - this gave some short relief but did not really alter the frequency of the pain. The pharmacy suggested trying Zostrix and the relief was amazing once I had adjusted to the cream. It absolutely was a game changer and I no longer need Lyrica or Endone. I do think you can smear on too much and this does can cause excessive burning which subsides, however, so follow the instructions and use sparingly. Definitely do not apply immediately after having had a hot shower and don't go to sleep with the electric blanket heating the affected area."

• methu...
• September 20, 2014

For Postherpetic Neuralgia "I am a Dutchman (82), living in The Hague. My Post herpetic neuralgia dates from about 3 months ago. My physician prescribed 3 kinds of tablets (tramadol, carbamazepine and paracetamol) which gave relief to some extent. Thereupon I searched "PHN" on internet and found capsaicin and, on this website. I asked for an additional prescription of capsaicin (0.075 %) which I now apply 4 times a day. I feel 90% back to normal and I too can say: Got my life back!"

• lifel...
• November 8, 2011

For Osteoarthritis "I'm a 57 year old female with moderate - severe osteoarthritis of the hip and back. I have been using Capsaicin gel for 2 weeks and the pain has subsided tremendously. Experienced burning sensation the first day only. It has given me back parts of my reason for living."

• Pooka
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2020

For Pain "Okay, first of all, don't ever put Capsaicin on using your bare hands. It will linger on your hands even after scrubbing them with soap and water. Use gloves and be careful you only get the cream where you need it. If you find the cream too painful DO NOT try scrubbing it off as this will not work. Water, especially with heat and steam, reactivates the heat in the capsaicin. Treat Capsaicin cream the same way you would treat eating hot chile. Put sour cream, yogurt, or any other thick, milk based product on it to settle the heat. I swear by capsaicin cream for pain. I use it on my back, hip, arthritic knee, just about anywhere that hurts. When I 1st used it I would feel like my skin was very hot but you actually start to get used to the heat."

• Murph
• April 26, 2017

Qutenza (capsaicin) for Peripheral Neuropathy "Well have had this treatment about 2 years ago now - I was told it was a very new treatment and only one use of it would provide permanent benefits and that it often gave back sensation to extremities in Peripheral Neuropathy - for me this was not the case it was in a sheet format a speciased Nurse was doing the treatment cutting into this single sheet by aseptic technique and extra gloves - the stinging that it cases to both my hands as in fingers and everywhere the Quitenza touched spent the next 3 days virtually in the bath as skin was burning in PAIN now Pain I can feel, unlike even touch seems out of reach - apparently it takes up to 3 months to work - oh yeh and it is made from Capsicum - [Chillies]"

• Fibro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2013

For Pain "I began using Capsaicin-HP for severe pain from by neck to top of my buttocks caused by fibromyalgia. I found it to decrease my pain as much or better than non-narcotic oral medications. Then I had an injury to my back which required a lumbar spinal fusion at L5-S1. Capsaicin again helped my pain incredibly. I applied everyday 2 to 4 times a day before surgery and then limited used to areas of neck and back away from incision until site healed, then resumed use over entire back. It does get very "hot" at times, but I learned not to focus on that and realized that was the time it seemed to be removing pain the best. I am a nurse and eventually learned to allow it to "heat" which typically lasts about 30 min and I got the best results."

• music...
• July 19, 2010

Capzasin-HP (capsaicin) for Osteoarthritis "I prefer the initial pain of application than the pain in my spine, hip, and legs. Be careful going out in the sun, even the day after application some residual effects will be felt. Wear latex or plastic gloves when applying and wash your hands after applying. If you touch a part of your body that has capzasin on it, be sure to rewash your hands and DO NOT touch your eyes without washing your hands!"

• MsSmith
• August 12, 2016

For Peripheral Neuropathy "I have been suffering from sciatica for about 10 years now. It has gradually gotten worse. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxin no longer help to relieve the pain in my left thigh. I have found that a generic capsaicin patch placed on my lower back relives the pain. It doesn't fully disappear but it becomes a lot more bearable (0.025%)"

• DocDM
• August 12, 2016

For Pain "I CAN WALK AGAIN!!! I had so much pain in my right knee, and nothing worked. Can't take alleve. I tried this and put on WAY TOO MUCH the first time. Burned liked I was on fire. After, I use in very mall doses, all I can say is IT WORKS. Took pain away, and I can traverse the stairs, and walk with almost NO pain. I like this better than taking pain meds. I HIGHLY recommend this."