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73 of 73 found the following review helpful:
 I'm so glad Amazon carries this now! Dec 14, 2008
By Once in a while
I'm so glad Amazon is carrying this now and I can get it with free Amazon Prime shipping.
If you're new to capsaicin-based pain relieving creams, beware -- they're not for everybody. The active ingredient is the same as in pepper spray, just in a much lower concentration.
Even in low concentrations, they can really burn the first few times you use them. Some people have skin that is simply too delicate, thin, or sensitive to use these kinds of products.
But if you can use them, they really work.
I started using them because I wanted an alternative to taking a pill every time I had an ache somewhere. And I've come to really like the Capzasin products.
I can give you a few startup tips.
Don't start with "HP" (high potency) creams. Start with something like Capzasin-P Topical Analgesic Cream, .035-Percent Capsaicin, 1.5-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 3), a milder version. You have to build up a tolerance to the stuff.
Apply a very light film to start with. If you've never tried it before and you haven't developed a tolerance, it's going to really heat up. Wash it off with soap and water immediately if it burns you too much. (After washing, moistened bread laid over the area might provide some additional relief.)
Stay with the milder cream until you begin to get used to it. The longer you use it, the less it will burn. Eventually it will hardly burn at all and you'll be looking to trade up to higher potencies. Even without the burning, it still gives pain relief. I don't know how or why it does, but it does.
I still like to feel a little burn when I use it, so I put on a pretty heavy amount -- I guess it's the endorphins or something.
The roll-on version -- Capzasin Arthritis Pain Relief, 1 Fluid Ounces (Pack of 2) -- is handy, and I would love to see it available in a higher potency. As it is I find I reapply it two or three times to get the results I want.
A couple of other warnings: Keep this stuff away from your eyes and mouth and any other sensitive areas of your body, and away from pets and children. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying (I usually wash mine at least twice), and make sure you don't "contaminate" stuff that other people might touch and get an unwanted burning feeling from.
If you have children around and they like to hug you, make sure your clothing completely covers any areas you've applied the cream so the children don't accidentally get burned.
And there's one other unique thing about capsaicin creams -- you may think they've worn off, and then you go work in the yard or something and get warmed up and start perspiring a little, and the areas you applied the cream will start heating up again. That can happen in a hot shower too, so be advised you can get an "afterglow." I actually like this effect, it's like getting another application.
And I do prefer the Capzasin brand. It has no salicylates or annoying fragrances added.
15 of 15 found the following review helpful:
It hurts so good! Aug 12, 2010
By Alan H. Hora
"Hayes"
I only review items that I really appreciate, or really despise!
My girlfriend is a physical therapist, and a colleague of hers recommended this CAPZASIN-HP cream for a pulled back. She was given a tube of this, and I recently used it on my back when I threw it out. The pain was in my lower back, and it felt like a disk was bulging out, along with horrible shooting pain down my legs and cramping in that area. Standing up felt like I was booting a PC! (I'm a Mac..) After my girlfriend applied this to my lower back, the burn was intense, but extremely comforting. In the morning, it felt like the aching bones had been roasted like a rotisserie chicken! The pain was reduced by at least 70% the first night. It isn't a cure, but it definitely speeds up the recovery time, and it feels delightful. The burn takes away from the aching pain. To lay in bed face-down with the ceiling fan drying the cream on my back and enjoying the deep burn was really pleasurable. This sounds crazy, but I almost look forward to back pain so I can use this cream on it. You'll find in the other reviews that this stuff is seriously hot, so apply it to yourself while wearing a latex glove, or a plastic sandwich bag like my girlfriend did. This stuff really works, and it should be in everyone's medicine cabinet. It beats BEN-GAY and Icy-Hot to shame. Take some Aleve in addition to applying the cream; it reduces inflammation and helps the pain, like a superhero side-kick of the cream. Also consider the area that you will be applying it to: some areas of your body are much more sensitive on the surface of the skin than others. The neck, or foot, for example, might be very unpleasant areas to apply this cream, as the burn is very intense, and could be uncomfortable in the wrong place! Use good judgement.. The back is a good area. I hope this review helped your buying decision.
12 of 14 found the following review helpful:
It keeps me sane Feb 18, 2009
By Dr. Debra Jan Bibel
"World Music Explorer"
Besides for pain, capsaicin is effective on chronic itch. It is the ONLY established scientifically treatment for notalgia paresthetica (mid back itch). When used routinely and daily (I apply a little dab 3 to 4 times daily), the itch (pruritis) disappears. All the descriptions and warnings given by the first reviewer are correct and it is wise to follow that advice. A tube lasts about 3 months for this purpose. Pruritis and pain have different neurological pathways, but Capzasin-HP is effective for both. It is a good product at a good price.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Read the instructions Sep 21, 2011
By Andrew J Hammer
I won't describe the agony I experienced using this product, nor the hour of scrubbing with dish soap in the shower under cold water. I will just say, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.
I don't think it is for 'sore' muscles. Use Icy-Hot for that jangle. This is for seriously damaged nerves and joints. There are some less powerful versions of this stuff. Maybe you should start using the .035 version.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Don't be afraid of the burn. This actually works. Sep 21, 2011
By prdfy
I have had arthritis in all my joints since childhood. I am now in my 40's and I started having problems with the vertebrae in my neck a few years ago. Turns out that the vertebrae in my neck are collapsing and will eventually fuse together. As a result, I get very bad headaches and my neck motion is very limited when I have a flare up. I will not take any narcotics or steroids due to the side effects and the same goes for steroid shots into the vertebrae. Why am I telling you all this? Because Capzasin-HP is the one product that actually gives me long lasting relief and works like it says it does.
After reading all the reviews of Capzasin-HP, I was scared to death to try it because some people had reported burns and other bad experiences with it. Yes, it burns on the first application, but some people must have very delicate skin because I've had absolutely no problems with it. It's definitely hotter than any other topical analgesic I've tried, but it's by no means painful. Start with a small pea sized dab every day and see how it goes for a few weeks.
My first application -- I started with a small dab about the size of a pea and rubbed onto the back of my neck. Within a few minutes I started feeling the tingling burn and it continued to get hotter for the next few minutes. But it felt so good. Within a half hour, my neck muscles had loosened up and I could tell I was going to have a very good day. Two hours later, still hot, but no where near the initial few minutes. Four hours later, on the verge between warm and hot. Eight 8 hours later, my neck muscles are still loose, but I don't really feel any heat. When I got home from work, I used a DRY towel and wiped the back of my neck. Immediately, I started feeling some residual heat building up. Not enough to burn, but just enough to let me know it's still on my skin. My impression for the first day of application. Awsome! 5 stars. With one application in the morning, I can get through all day at work and my neck feels much better. And as a plus, I can even get a little more relief by rubbing the area later with a dry towel.
Two weeks later. I am now using two pea sized dabs per day. One for just the back of my neck and the other for the trapezius muscles on either side. Both are applied in the morning and it still lasts all day.
One month later. Still using just two pea sized dabs per day and I'm still on my first tube. One application still lasts me all day.
I researched capsaicin creams thoroughly before buying this and three things I'd like to stress are below.
1. Capsaicin seems to have a cumulative effect. Meaning that within a week or two, the effects become more noticeable and longer lasting with the same amount applied. I've found that to be true.
2. Do not apply this with bare hands. Unless you scrub with a brush and wash several times, you are going to get some on everything you touch. And if you get this anywhere near your nose or eyes, you will have a very bad experience.
3. Do not waste your money on creams that only have 0.05% of capsaicin. I tried them and they didn't do anything for me. No burn or relief. Capzasin-HP contains 0.1% of capsaicin.
I can't use rubber gloves due to my arthritic fingers and I can't reach the back of my neck anyway, so I made myself an applicator from some items at the HobbyLobby to apply the cream. I would strongly suggest that you use something to apply the cream. It will save you a lot of time and you won't waste any cream by having to wash it off your hands.
I gave this a 5-star rating because of all the creams and treatments I've tried for my neck pain, this is the only thing that actually worked long-term. I don't want to give anyone false hope, because I'm not saying that Capzasin-HP Arthritis Relief Topical Analgesic Cream, .1-Percent Capsaicin, 1.5-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 2) is a cure for my arthritic neck, but it is allowing me to still be productive and go to work every day without any narcotic meds, injections or surgery.
Pros:
Capzasin-HP does not smell
Is not greasy
You don't need very much to get relief
Cheap when compared to products you have to apply several times per day
Subscribe & Save two-pack is cheaper per pack than Walmart
Cons:
Can't be applied with bare hands without risk of getting it on everything you touch.
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