How a chilli pepper patch can help kidney patients

A PATCH made from chilli peppers could ease pain in patients having dialysis, report doctors at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in Scotland.

They’re testing the power of capsaicin, the hot compound found in chilli peppers, to soothe pain caused by arteriovenous fistula — this is an artificial connection made between the artery and vein in the arm where dialysis needles are inserted.

Chilli patches act on nerve endings and, following their use for shingles and nerve pain, they’re being tested in a trial with 20 dialysis patients.

The hope is that the patch could replace painkillers, which can cause drowsiness and confusion.