Do You Know a Capsicum Pain Relief Patch?

A Capsicum Pain Relief Patch

I used to apply patch on my skin when I was a kid to teenager. First I take out the liner, then put the patch wherever the area that I feel pain. I sometimes put the patch on my forehead when I thought dizzy. I feel relieve then.

I know that patch contain Capsaicin, a component that is extracted from a chili pepper (Capsicum sp). It is the reason why I perceived hot when I put a patch on my skin. Capsaicin stimulates nerves to manage pain signals. Thus, its reduce pain of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

One of pain relieve brand names approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is Salonpas. We could buy through Over The Counter (OTC) in drug stores in the USA. Salonpas is produced by Japan company, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Inc.

In addition to America, Salonpas are sold in 50 countries around the world, but the largest market is in developing countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia. In these countries, we could buy Salonpas patches not only in drug stores, but also in small vendors

In addition to Capsaicin, Salonpas also contain active ingredients (menthol and methyl salicylate) and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

A friend of mine with osteoarthritis of his shoulder told me that his pain reduce little bit if he put three Salonpas in his shoulder. However, the pain not away completely. Sure, Salonpas not cure his osteoarthritis.

I read an article that Capsaicin may prevent blood clots, reduce cholesterol and manage blood pressure. This is not through patch, but through swallow the pill which is prescribed by medical doctor.

Do you know pain relief patch or Salonpas?