From May to July I was suffering from Shingles. I asked the doctor if there was some topical ointment or cream that would help with the pain associated with Shingles. She suggested Capzasin. My husband went and picked up the Capzasin No-Mess Applicator. I had him pick up a small container to see whether it would help or not. When he got it home I decided to read all the information that was on the bottle.
This is from off of the container:
temporarily relieves minor pain associated with arthritis, muscle strains, simple backache, muscle sprains, bruises and cramps.
The active ingredient is Capsaicin 0.15%
Purpose Topical Analgesic
Warnings For external use only
When using this product: use only as directed, do not bandage, do not use with a heating paid, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, do not apply to wounds, damaged, broken or irritated skin, a transient burning sensation may occur upon application but generally disappears in several days, if sever burning sensation occurs, discontinue use immediately and read package insert for important information, do not expose the area treated with product to heat or direct sunlight.
Stop use and ask a doctor if, condition worsens, redness is present, irritation develops, symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again with a few days
Flammable keep away from fire or flame.
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children.
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Directions:
Adults and children over 18, apply to affected area, massage into painful area until thoroughly absorbed, repeat as necessary, but no more than 3 to 4 ties daily, if medicine comes in contact with hands, wash with soap and water, children 18 years or younger ask a doctor.
Close cap tightly after use.
Read package insert before using.
Keep carton and insert as they contain important information.
After reading all this information and upon reading that the Capzasin could cause a burning sensation for days, I decided not to use it around the dried up shingles to relieve the pain. I already had itching, burning and pain from the Shingles. I wondered if my doctor had ever read about the side affects. Why would she say to get Capzasin when she knew there was a possibility of a burning sensation, skin irritation, and more. The minute I saw that it could cause burning for a couple of days, I would not use it. So it was put aside. A couple weeks later the arthritis in my hand was bothering me, so I decided to give the Capzasin a try. I first started with very light applications on the top of my hand, as the container reminded me of a Bingo dabber for playing bingo. So I knew if I wanted to put more on I just had to press down and more would release. The light applications did not bother me, so the next time I had arthritis pain in my hand I decided to apply it a bit stronger. Everything seemed fine.
I was sitting and watching television and had my hand resting on the fabric of my pajama bottoms. Not paying attention to it, the pain seemed to lessen, but my hand starting getting very warm, and it continued to until it felt uncomfortable. It was the burning sensation they had talked about. Well I decided to just let it be as it could go away, but, it didn’t. Anything I touched would make it heat up and feel like it was burning, this when on for about 2 hours. After 2 hours I went and washed my hands completely several times and took a wash cloth and kept washing over the top of my hand. This seemed to lessen the burning sensation. I waited awhile and went back and washed the top of my hand again with soap and water. This time the burning sensation was gone.
I have used products before that give your skin the warming sensation, but, not the actually discomfort of a burning sensation as the Capzasin (1 fluid ounce) No-Mess Applicator.
I have never used the Capzasin since and I do not recommend it to anyone with arthritis, muscle strains, backache, muscle sprains, bruises or even cramps. Because if you hurt now, the burning just makes you that much more uncomfortable. Needless to say I stayed with using my pain medication.
