Capsaicin topical and Itching: What Users Say

• Bon...
• August 29, 2011

Capsaicin topical for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Side effects include allergic reaction: rash; hives; itching; pain in the middle of the chest; tightness in the chest; difficulty breathing or swallowing; irritation, redness, blistering, severe/persistent burning at the application site."

• Vic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2021

For Postherpetic Neuralgia "I am suffering from PHN. On Gabapentin, which has helped a little. Have terrible itching and burning on the side of my nose, under my eye, as well as my forehead and scalp. GP recommended Capsaicin. Applied it for the first time today, it did burn a bit, then the itching subsided. Works better than a lot of drugs I have tried, such as Tramadol, antihistamines, and codeine. Does not take the pain away completely but provides good relief from that horrible itching."

• nmb...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 20, 2024

"Other than a heating pad, capsaicin is the best. If I use the cream, I use gloves, because even if you wash your hands, if you say rub your face, eyes, etc., the capsaicin will transfer. I mainly use capsaicin pain patches to avoid transfer. Yes, capsaicin is very hot and can cause itching, but it is the only over-the-counter med that relieves the pain even deep into your bones. I will suffer with the burning and itching over my severe pain any day."

• BKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I had a really bad experience using capsaicin. My husband rubbed it into my shoulder when I had severe tendonitis, thinking it would reduce the pain. It created such severe burning and itching that I had to shower immediately to get it off, and it didn't relieve it. Months later, my husband had severe pain due to trigger finger. Thinking I might have had an allergic reaction, we applied it to his finger. Again, severe burning and itching that caused his sleep to be disrupted. I wrapped a cold washcloth around his finger, and after a while, it started burning again. I threw the rest of the tube in the trash. Big warning: don't use this unless you don't mind severe burning and itching."

• mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2016

Capsaicin topical for Postherpetic Neuralgia "I used this when I had shingles for the pain. Now I use it for seborrhea. It burns like the dickens but then numbs. Itching stops."