To relieve pain of a rheumatic and neuralgic nature, as well as due to problems in the 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 healing effect on the damaged area. Of all the remedies for inflammation of the joints and after closed injuries, capsaicin ointments are the most popular. This substance, obtained from hot peppers, has been used in medicine for many years. It not only relieves pain, but also has a healing effect.
What is capsaicin
This natural alkaloid is obtained from hot peppers. The crystalline substance was isolated from this plant at the beginning of the 20th century. Capsaicin does not dissolve in water, only in alcohol and some chemicals. It is the sharpest substance in the world. When hit onit causes severe burns on the skin, crystals can only be removed with vegetable oil, alcohol or vinegar.
Capsaicin has a strong effect on the respiratory organs and mucous membranes, causing a burning sensation. This property is used when adding a substance to gas cartridges and pistols. Capsaicin is also used as an insecticide. But besides this, it has been found to have many beneficial properties for human he alth. And recently, the production of medicines based on it has been established.
The action of drugs with capsaicin
Now various ointments, gels, plasters and rubbing containing this substance are used for medicinal purposes. The extract obtained from hot pepper contains only 5-10% capsaicin. But still, it has a very strong effect on the body:
- when applied topically, it acts on the nerve endings and reduces the intensity of pain;
- stimulates the production of prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation;
- expands the superficial vessels of the skin and causes a feeling of warmth;
- eliminates swelling;
- improves tissue regeneration;
- thinns phlegm and accelerates its excretion from the body;
- has an antioxidant effect;
- has a bactericidal effect.
What is capsaicin used for
Ointment, the price of which is about 200 rubles, is available to many. And the positive effect of such funds determined their wide distribution. drugs,which contain capsaicin, are used for migraines, indigestion, psoriasis and pruritus. It is included in fat-burning products and dietary supplements to speed up metabolism. Capsaicin helps with trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, pain from shingles. Recent studies have 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.
Such drugs not only have an analgesic effect, but relieve inflammation and improve tissue nutrition. The therapeutic effect is manifested only after 2-3 weeks of use, although capsaicin relieves pain immediately.
Side effects of capsaicin drugs
The therapeutic effect of this substance is associated with its ability to cause a local increase in temperature and a burning sensation. But this property of capsaicin can also have a negative effect. Some people experience a severe burning sensation that resembles a burn, redness and swelling of the tissues occur at the site of application of the capsaicin ointment. When the drug enters the mucous membrane, it causes severe pain and swelling, lacrimation and mucus secretion. Capsaicin can cause spasm of the larynx and bronchi, loss of voice, and even respiratory arrest. Such drugs are especially dangerous for the eyes - they cause burns to the cornea. It is not recommended to use capsaicin ointments for young children, women during pregnancy and lactation. They are also contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, bronchial asthma andhypertension.
Rules for the use of such drugs
Check with your doctor before using capsaicin ointment. And even if there are no contraindications to its use, it is important to strictly follow the instructions and safety rules:
- before the first use, you need to test the body's reaction to the drug by applying it to a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin on the arm;
- apply the ointment to the affected area in a thin layer 2-4 times a day;
- action lasts up to 6 hours;
- it is not recommended to use such preparations under a warming bandage;
- after applying the ointment, wash your hands thoroughly so that the burning substance does not get on the mucous membranes;
- when a severe allergic reaction occurs, the ointment should be washed off not with water, but with vegetable oil, alcohol or vinegar;
- do not use these products on inflamed or damaged skin or immediately after a bath or shower.
What drugs contain capsaicin
Now the medical industry produces several different ointments based on pepper extract. They have almost the same action and application features.
- Nicoflex 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 pain.
- Cream with capsaicin analgesic, except for pepper extract, contains gelaloe, which helps deeper penetration of the active substance.
- Rescuer Forte gel with pepper oil extract, essential oils and vitamins helps to recover from injuries.
- Efkamon capsaicin-based ointment improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition, stops inflammation.
- "Camphocin" - in addition to the extract of capsicum, the warming effect in it is provided by turpentine and camphor.
Nicoflex ointment: application
This is a combined preparation for the treatment of bruises, sprains, arthrosis, neuralgia, sciatica and for warming up muscles before sports training.
The ointment contains 7.5 mg of capsaicin and has an irritating and analgesic effect. When applied to the skin, it dilates superficial vessels, improves blood circulation and causes a feeling of warmth. "Nicoflex" not only relieves pain and reduces inflammation, but also improves joint mobility. You can apply it 1-2 times a day on clean, dry skin.
Analogues of drugs with capsaicin
A large number of different warming ointments and gels makes it difficult to choose a drug. But quite often, doctors prescribe drugs that contain capsaicin to patients. Their analogues are also effective, but the warming effect in them is provided with the help of other substances. Based on natural ingredients, you can choose the following drugs:
- "Apizartron" contains bee venom, warms well and relieves pain;
- "Viprosal" based on gyurza poison is effective for various injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- in the balm "Sanitas" the warming effect is provided by camphor and turpentine;
- Sofya cream with bee venom relieves swelling and inflammation, restores joint mobility and reduces pain;
- bee venom also contains effective "911" gel, which not only treats pain, but also restores joint tissues.
There is also an ointment containing an analogue of capsaicin - vanillamide. This is "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 number of ointments with a warming effect, many choose those that contain capsaicin. Reviews of such drugs are contradictory. The substance is very pungent, and not everyone can withstand it. But those who are tired of suffering from pain consider warming ointments to be salvation. In addition, the positive property of such drugs is that the ointment containing capsaicin is inexpensive. Its price ranges from 100 to 300 rubles, on average - 250. Therefore, any patient can be treated with such drugs. Doctors also often prescribe capsaicin ointments. They believe that the warming effect not only helps 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 relievemuscle pain. Negative reviews are left by those who cannot stand the burning sensation and who have an allergic reaction to capsaicin.
