Articles
Arthritis pain: Treatments absorbed through your skin
What are topical pain medications?
What types of ingredients are used?
How well do they work?
Are there topical pain products available by prescription?
Content
How do pain medicines that go on the skin work?
Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Capsaicin
Other topical arthritis products
How well do topical products work?
Are they safe to use?
What types of ingredients are used?
How well do they work?
Are there topical pain products available by prescription?
Content
How do pain medicines that go on the skin work?
Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Capsaicin
Other topical arthritis products
How well do topical products work?
Are they safe to use?
Capsaicin
Other topical treatments recommended for knee and hand osteoarthritis are those that have capsaicin (kap-SAY-ih-sin). Capsaicin causes the burning feeling that comes from chili peppers.
Examples include Capzasin-HP and Zostrix. Capsaicin blocks a chemical in the nerve cells that sends pain messages. Capsaicin works best when used several times a day. It might take up to two weeks to feel relief.
