Guest guest Posted June 15, 2003 Report Share Posted June 15, 2003 Zostrix Zostrix contains Capsaicin, the active ingredient in red hot chili peppers. Capsaicin depletes an enzyme known as Substance P which mediates the sensation of pain between nerve fibers. Zostrix significantly reduces pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia and arthritis. Application of Zostrix is initially uncomfortable for the first 5 or so days of use until Substance P is eliminated from the treated area. May be combined with Pramegel to improve ease of initial use (See Analgesic Pack). Please see our Zostrix FAQ. Q. One of my doctors said I should try Zostrix. I was wondering how long it lasts. Does it just mask the pain or actually try to eliminate it for good? I have had numerous operations on my foot where there is a huge amount of scar tissue there left over from the surgeries. I have taken pills such as neurontin to no help. A. Zostrix is a short term fix and works only while using it. The capsaicin helps deplete Substance P, the chemical mediator which travels between pain nerve fibers. It in no way fixes the actual 'cause' of the pain. When first using Zostrix, it can hurt which is why I typically recommend using it with a topical anesthetic such as Ela-Max 4% Topical Anesthetic Cream or PrameGel. After about a week of consistent use, usually the topical anesthetic can be dropped. I would certainly discuss these types of options with your doctor who have you the neurotin medication. -------------------- Q. Can a person in their sixties have shingles without any actual outbreak of blisters? I have no outward blisters but I have the pain and itching from my left side under my left arm around to where my ribs are in the front of my body. The pain is sharp and like a burning sensation which comes and goes. My skin is warm to the touch however no blisters. This has been ongoing for approximately 10 days with no let up in the intensity. I have been to the doctors, one said I have shingles even though there is no out break the other said no way, that I have pulled a rib and the nerve pain is from that. I tried capsaicin cream and it caused my skin to burn. I have been using Sarna cream and it helps a little to relieve the itching however not the nerve pain. I´m mainly looking for information, can you help? Thank you A. New activation of shingles can create inflammation and pain for several days or even weeks before the outbreak occurs. While I suppose anything is possible, I would assume that the rash would ultimately arise. There is something known as post herpetic neuralgia in which the pain associated with the inflammation of shingles can go on indefinitely. And while shingles pain can sometimes be confused with a heart attack, there is no way for me or you to know what is going on without seeing the doctors, making sure everything else is healthy, etc. Applying capsaicin like Zostrix to the skin does indeed burn quite a bit and you should use it for the first week with a topical anesthetic like Ela-Max 4% Topical Anesthetic Cream or PrameGel. Also, if your doctors really think you have shingles, typically you would be put onto zovirax which helps palliate the pain/inflammation, cause the blisters to resolve and help prevent the formation of post herpetic neuralgia. Also, in patients above the age of 50, sometimes the use of a prednisone taper can be added to again help avoid the development of post herpetic neuralgia. I would refer you to my article Shingles for further information. ---------------- Q. Dear Gentlemen: I have a neuralgia Postherpética for 7 years. A friend bought Zostrix to you and the one sent it to me but I am not sure of how their application is bad for this. They would please rot to give me instructions of as applying me since it in the one pack he says that to consult with a physique. The pain begins to the right side of the coxis. A thousand thank you for their attention. A. Zostrix is applied 3-4 times a day. It works because it works to deplete a chemical called Substance P which mediates pain. It can take about 1 week before all of the Substance P is gone and the pain begins to subside. It is important to understand that until Substance P is gone that each time you apply Zostrix it can cause burning or stinging (it is derived from the red hot chili pepper). This is why it is helpful from a comfort stand point to apply a topical anesthetic like PrameGel, Ela-Max 4% Topical Anesthetic Cream or Prax Lotion prior to the Zostrix during this week or so time frame. Assuming Zostrix works to help provide you comfort, you need to continue its use 3-4 times daily. If you stop using it the Substance P will be remade and it is possible for the pain to return. Q. I have just used the Zostrix cream to alleviate the pain of arthritis. It burns terribly. Is there any way to get it off. Thank you. A. Zostrix contains Capsaicin, the active ingredient in red hot chili peppers. Capsaicin depletes an enzyme known as Substance P which mediates the sensation of pain between nerve fibers. Zostrix significantly reduces pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia and arthritis. Application of Zostrix is initially uncomfortable for the first 5 or so days of use until Substance P is eliminated from the treated area. May be combined with Pramegel to improve ease of initial use. You should apply a topical anesthetic like the PrameGel or you can try Ela-Max 4% Topical Anesthetic Cream or Prax Lotion before the Zostrix HP Stick. Once substance P is gone, then it should no longer be painful to apply the product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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