Hello All,
If I think this is what I used years ago then I remember it well or maybe it is some type of what I used years ago?? Capsaicin is hot peppers. I remember the directions saying to not get the gel in the patch on your hands or eyes because it will burn like heck. I don't remember it working well BUT I DO REMEMBER applying the patch (as well as other times a Lidocaine patch) and neither worked well on my foot (site of initial trauma). Putting the patch on my foot was ok and felt uncomfortable until I got used to having something on my foot BUT the absolute worst part was the next day (or hours later) when I had to take off the patch. OMG! The pain brought tears to my eyes so just remember if you put any type of patch on you have to take it back off and the pain is horrible. I hope it works well for you. Best of luck. Let us know how it works for you.
kathy d

I was pretty skeptical after reading about it, but now after hearing from some of you, I really don't think I want to try it. It sounded kind of crazy to me that I would put something on my RSD limb that would make the pain worse and that later on I would feel better. I even flare up when I get blood drawn so I cant imagine doing this. If I do try it I will definitely let you know! Thanks for everyone's insight!

I tried capsaicin once - just once - when one of the docs on my peripheral nerve team suggested it. He said up front that he wasn't sure how it would work and that if it did, it might take awhile.

Almost immediately upon putting it on, it made the usual fire feel lukewarm. It was absolutely horrific, and trying to rinse it, etc. didn't even come close to helping. I had to let it wear off.

I'd love to know if it actually works. Unfortunately, it's just not for me.

I tried over the counter capsaicin once myself, but it didn't have any affect on my CRPS pain, so discontinued it after about 2 weeks.