I was not a fan of Capsacin, but in theory it's supposed to eventually help to desensitize an area.

QUOTE=LIT LOVE;1136422]I was not a fan of Capsacin, but in theory it's supposed to eventually help to desensitize an area.[/QUOTE]

Capsaicin does desensitize cutaneous nerves by defunctionalizing certain types of pain receptors and preventing them from sending signals. There is a lengthy explanation of this in the article "Topical Capsaicin for Pain Management: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanism of Action" from 2011. High strength capsaicin of 8% in the form of Qutenza high dollar office use only patches is approved for post-herpetic neuralgia and is used for other types of hypersensitivity from nerve damage. I have read of it being used for CRPS allodynia. Over time with use of even 1% capsaicin cream the cutaneous nerves retract into the skin due to being defunctionalized. These do wake up and recover function before recovery of sensation apparently. I always wonder if you "defunctionalize" them long enough if they will either reset or die off and you potentially grow new ones that have less hypersensitivity. Wouldn't that be cool. I have used OTC capsaicin right over my scars, it only affects the skin not deeper nerves.

Sending Healing Love,
Littlepaw