Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Capsaicin a reliable pain-relief option
Dear Dr. Roach: I am writing to you on behalf of my cousin, an 83-year-old female, 5 feet tall, weighing 100 pounds.
She takes only vitamin D. Her blood pressure, cholesterol, etc., all are within the normal ranges.
However, she has osteoarthritis in her knees and lower back.
Ibuprofen sometimes helps a bit, but she would like more relief during the day.
She was considering a topical medication called PainBloc24, but the side effects seem scary.
Should she try this overthe-counter remedy? — M.A.C.
PainBloc24, like other overthe-counter creams such as Capzasin and Zostrix, contains capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers.
It is thought to work by decreasing the activity of pain fibers.
Most people notice a burning sensation when it is applied, which should decrease over time.
Afterward, pain is decreased.
One study estimated a 33 percent reduction in pain, while another found that 80 percent of people had improvement in pain.
Anyone who has put hot peppers near eyes, mucous membranes or other sensitive skin areas knows that the pain can be exquisite, so stay away from those areas.
Further, skin absorption is higher after a hot shower, so capsaicin cream can REALLY burn if applied then — that’s not recommended.
Finally, if your cousin decides to try it, she should start with the low 0.025 percent strength, not the higher-potency strength.
Fortunately, it does not seem to have side effects outside of the local irritation and burning.