To relieve the pain of rheumatic and neuralgiccharacter, and also because of problems in muscles, ligaments and joints, local remedies in the form of ointments and creams are often used. They are considered the best, because they do not cause systemic side effects, do not damage the gastrointestinal tract and have a direct therapeutic effect on the damaged area. Of all the means for inflammation of the joints and after closed injuries, ointments with capsaicin are the most popular. This substance, obtained from hot pepper, has been used for many years in medicine. It not only relieves pain, but also has a therapeutic effect.
What is capsaicin
This natural alkaloid is obtained from hot pepper.A crystalline substance was isolated from this plant at the beginning of the twentieth century. Capsaicin does not dissolve in water, only in alcohol and certain chemicals. It is the most acute substance in the world. If it gets on the skin, it causes a severe burn, you can remove the crystals only with vegetable oil, alcohol or vinegar.
Effects of drugs with capsaicin
Now for therapeutic purposes, variousointments, gels, patches and rubbers containing this substance. The extract obtained from the burning pepper contains only 5-10% capsaicin. But all the same, the effect on the body is very strong:
- when applied locally, it affects the nerve endings and reduces the intensity of pain;
- stimulates the production of prostaglandins, which reduce the inflammatory process;
- expands the surface vessels of the skin and causes a feeling of warmth;
- eliminates edema;
- improves the regeneration of tissues;
- It dilutes sputum and speeds up its excretion from the body;
- has antioxidant effect;
- has a bactericidal effect.
For what purposes is capsaicin used
Ointment, the price of which is about 200 rubles, is availablemany. And the positive effect of such means has determined their wide distribution. Preparations that contain capsaicin, are used for migraines, digestive disorders, psoriasis and skin itching. It is included in the composition of fat-burning agents and bioadditives to accelerate the metabolism. Capsaicin helps with neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve, diabetic neuropathy, pain from herpes zoster. Recent research has determined its ability to kill cancer cells and prevent their appearance. But most often used in the treatment of capsaicin for joints, muscles and ligaments.
Side effects of drugs with capsaicin
The therapeutic effect of this substance is associated with itsthe ability to cause local fever and burning sensation. But this property of capsaicin can also have a negative effect. Some people experience a burning sensation resembling a burn, redness and swelling of the tissues appear on the place of application of the capsaicin ointment. When the drug hits the mucous membrane, it causes severe pain and swelling, lacrimation and mucus secretion. Capsaicin can provoke spasm of the larynx and bronchi, loss of voice and even stopping breathing. Especially dangerous are such eye preparations - they cause a burn of the cornea. It is not recommended to apply ointments with capsaicin to small children, women during pregnancy and breast-feeding. They are also contraindicated for individual intolerance, bronchial asthma and hypertension.
Rules for the use of such drugs
Before using ointment with capsaicin, consult a doctor. And even if there are no contraindications to its use, it is important to strictly follow the instructions and safety rules:
- before the first application, you need to try the reaction of the body to the drug, applying it on a small patch of skin on the arm;
- Apply ointment to the affected area with a thin layer 2-4 times a day;
- the action lasts up to 6 hours;
- It is not recommended to use such preparations under a warming bandage;
- after applying the ointment you need to wash your hands thoroughly so that the burning substance does not get on the mucous membranes;
- when a strong allergic reaction occurs, the ointment should be washed off not with water, but with vegetable oil, alcohol or vinegar;
- Do not use such medications for inflamed or damaged skin, and immediately after a bath or shower.
What formulations does capsaicin contain?
Now the medical industry produces several different ointments based on pepper extract. They have almost the same action and application features.
- "Nikofleks" effectively relieves pain and inflammation, dilates blood vessels and warms.
- "Espol" contains capsaicin, essential oils of coriander and lavender, effectively treats any joint and muscle pains.
- The cream with capsaicin anesthetizing, in addition to the extract from pepper, contains an aloe gel, which helps to penetrate deeper penetration of the active substance.
- Gel "Savior Forte" with an oil extract of pepper, essential oils and vitamins helps to recover from injuries.
- Ointment based on capsaicin "Efkamon" improves blood circulation and nutrition of tissues, stops inflammation.
- "Camphocin" - except for the extract of capsicum, the warming effect in it is provided by turpentine and camphor.
Ointment "Nikofleks": application
It is a combined drug for treating bruises, sprains, arthrosis, neuralgia, sciatica, and to warm up muscles before sports training.
Analogs drugs with capsaicin
A large number of different warming ointments andgels make it difficult to choose a drug. But quite often, doctors prescribe patients drugs that contain capsaicin. Their analogs are also effective, but the warming effect in them is provided with the help of other substances. Based on natural ingredients, you can choose these drugs:
- "Apizartron" contains bee venom, warms well and relieves pain;
- "Viprosal" based on venom gurzy is effective in various injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- in the balsam "Sanitas" the warming effect is provided by camphor and turpentine;
- Cream "Sophia" with bee venom relieves swelling and inflammation, restores joint mobility and reduces pain;
- bee venom contains and effective gel "911", which not only heals the pain, but also restores the joint tissue.
There is an ointment containing an analog of capsaicin - vanililamide. This is the "Finalgon", which is very popular, as it effectively relieves pain in the back and joints.
Reviews on the use of such drugs
Despite the large amount of ointment withwarming effect, many choose those that contain capsaicin. Reviews of such drugs are controversial. The substance is very burning, and not everyone can withstand it. But those who are tired of suffering from pain, consider warming ointments salvation. In addition, a positive feature of such drugs is that it is inexpensive to contain capsaicin ointment. Its price ranges from 100 to 300 rubles, an average of 250. Therefore, any patient can be treated with such drugs. Doctors also often prescribe capsaicin ointment. They believe that the warming effect helps not only to relieve pain and inflammation, but also treats many diseases of the musculoskeletal system. According to doctors and patients, such ointments improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition, help restore joint mobility and relieve muscle pain. Negative reviews are left by those who cannot withstand the burning sensation and who show an allergic reaction to capsaicin.
