TIPS ON USING CAPSAICIN TO TREAT FACIAL PAIN
Alternative Treatments for Facial Neuralgias

Disclaimer.

The following instructions were written by someone who used capsaicin to successfully treat trigeminal neuralgia. Before using any new treatment, you should always consult your doctor. Capsaicin can cause burning, especially to eyes, genitals, nasal passages, and other sensitive areas. Wash hands thoroughly after using capsaicin.

"... one day I read in Prevention Magazine (hey, give credit where it's due) that some tic doloroux sufferers had found relief using a topical analgesic creme called Zostrix which has only one active ingredient: capsaicin. I had a cure and the thought of a topical creme being effective seemed ridiculous. Nevertheless, I tried it. Again, a short story: it worked! It's been 4 years+ since my last attack except for one that occurred when I was using a generic capsaicin creme. I switched back to Zostrix - end of attacks. Zostrix and the generic listed identical ingredients - go figure. I know this has been wordy but I wanted to cover my experience in enough detail to be generally useful. I consider Zostrix to have cured my tic doloroux or whatever name you care to give it. I don't use the word cure lightly, however, in my case I believe it applies. There are no side effects other than a slight burning sensation on my face during a shower the morning after use. Zostrix comes in two strengths .025% & .075% capsaicin. It doesn't seem to matter much which one I use but I generally use the .075% variety. That's my story. I program computers for a living and have no interest in any drug company - just in case someone is wondering.

"Guidelines for Using Zostrix

1) Be *sure* to avoid the eyes and nostrils.

2) Use a cotton ball or such to apply the creme. It's difficult to get all of the capsaisin off your hands. One rub of the eyes with "capsaisan hands" and you'll know all about it. Use caution in what you do with children or significant others.

3) I don't necessarily wash my face before application. I work a liberal amount from just below the eye to the jaw bone, covering the temple and most of that side of my face. You can wait a few minutes and re-apply if you like. No need to put so much on that it doesn't all get absorbed.

"if you're like me, you'll notice a burning sensation during the next shower. I didn't find it very uncomfortable and it decreases with time. As to frequency, when I first started use I put in on everyday, sometimes many times/day --I didn't want to take any "chances". After some experimentation, I found that once a day, usually at night, did the trick. For me, relief happened the first night I tried it although the makers say the effect builds up over time. I don't use it constantly now but at the first sign of any facial sensitivity I use it for several night in a row. With a side effect profile like this stuff has, better safe than sorry. I'm not aware of any reason to stop using it, unless, of course, the burning is so intense that you don't want to deal with it.

As you might expect, doctor reaction to this varies from "daaaaaa" to "whatever makes your boat float". Fact is, after self experimentation, I can tell you that it did cure my TN. I sincerely hope it helps you, I *know* what the pain is all about..."