That was exactly my thinking as well, since the Menthol in the Salonpas patches clearly removes the sting without diminishing the effects of the Capsaicin...
Likewise, Qutenza specifies the use of Lindocaine first to lessen the burning sensation before applying the high Capsaicin concentration...
Those who complain about the burning of the Capsaicin, which is the main problem encountered, might well benefit by applying some menthol based cream first...
The one problem with the patch, I am finding out now, is that the areas not covered yesterday are now causing pain and it's really hard to cover the entire foot with patches...
I'll continue experimenting with both patches and Capsaicin cream, as another poster with PN has reported here some good results with Zostrix over a 10 years period...
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrsD
I wonder if you have tried high % menthol alone?
I use Biofreeze for burning pain... 3.5% It also has Ilex in it which is an antioxidant. It always works for me.
The mechanism for menthol is this:
There are two temperature type nerves, one that relays heat and one cold. The cold sensors have neurological priority in reporting pain. (I guess this is a survival mechanism).
So when the cold sensors are stimulated by menthol, the heat ones never get registered by the brain as long as the menthol is there working.
So it is no surprise that the mixed patch is working better.
Menthol is often added to compounded dermatological creams too, for patients with chronic itching problems. But that dose is much lower in range, more like .25%.
We have had several discussions on the subject of Menthol. You might do a search here to find them.
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