Capsaicin: 10 Things You Should Know

Capsaicin is an ingredient in many topical skin preparations used to relieve pain associated with arthritis. Capsaicin is used to relieve muscle pain, joint pain, or nerve pain. Capsaicin is available as a cream, ointment, stick, pad, gel, liquid, or lotion. You do not need a prescription for capsaicin from your doctor. You can find products containing capsaicin in your drugstore for over-the-counter purchase. Capsaicin is marketed under many brand names including:

• Zostrix
• Capzasin-P
• Analgesic Balm with Capsaicin
• Icy Hot Arthritis Therapy
• Icy Hot with Capsaicin
• Capsagel
• Rid-a-Pain
• Pain-X
• Trixaicin
• Arthricare for Women

Knowing how to use capsaicin safely decreases the chance for unwanted side effects. You should follow the directions given by your doctor or the directions on the label (there are different dosages or strengths of capsaicin available). Learn more in Capsaicin: 10 Things You Should Know.

Related Resources:

• Treatment of Osteoarthritis
• 10 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain
• Voltaren Gel: 10 Things You Need to Know
• Topical Creams for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

_{Photo by Kevin Russ (iStockphoto)}