Home / First aid

Capsaicin cream

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Two capsaicin creams compared

Details are from each product's DailyMed label.

Both creams use similar bases, including benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, isopropyl myristate and sorbitol, so the main difference is capsaicin strength. Capzasin HP says to read the information printed inside the carton before using and to keep the carton, since it contains important information.

The burning sensation

The Zostrix label says you may experience a burning sensation, which is normal and related to the way the product works, and that with regular use it generally disappears within several days. Capzasin HP says a transient burning sensation may occur but generally disappears in several days.

Severe burning is different. Capzasin HP says if severe burning occurs, discontinue use immediately, and warns that rare cases of serious burns have been reported with products of this type. Zostrix says stop and ask a doctor if severe burning persists or blistering occurs.

How to apply capsaicin cream

• Thin layer. Apply a thin film and gently rub in until fully absorbed.
• Be consistent. Use 3 to 4 times daily; Zostrix says best results typically occur after 2 to 4 weeks of continuous use.
• Wash your hands with soap and water right after applying, unless you are treating your hands.
• Avoid eyes and mucous membranes, and keep it off contact lenses. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Unbroken skin only. Do not apply to wounds or damaged, broken or irritated skin.
• Avoid skin folds, as Capzasin HP advises.

Heat, bandages and timing

• No heat. Do not apply heat, such as heating pads, to the treated area, and do not expose it to heat or direct sunlight.
• No tight wraps. Do not bandage or wrap the area tightly.
• Activity timing. Zostrix says do not apply immediately before or after bathing, swimming, sun bathing or strenuous exercise.
• One product at a time. Capzasin HP says do not use at the same time as other topical analgesics or a medicated patch on the same area.
• Dried residue. Avoid inhaling airborne material from dried residue, which Zostrix says can cause coughing, sneezing, tearing or throat irritation.

For heat therapy on other days or areas, see our electric heating pad guide, but never on capsaicin-treated skin.

When to stop and see a doctor

Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, redness is present, irritation develops, symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and return within a few days, or you notice signs of skin injury such as pain, swelling or blistering where you applied it. Zostrix also lists difficulty breathing or swallowing as a reason to stop. If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Capsaicin vs other topical pain relievers

Capsaicin works best with steady use over weeks rather than as a quick fix. For arthritis pain in specific joints, an NSAID gel is another option; see our diclofenac gel guide. For cooling or warming rubs, see our muscle rub cream guide, and for numbing patches, our lidocaine patches guide. Do not layer these on the same area at the same time.

Store Zostrix at 15 to 30 C (59 to 86 F), and read the carton insert before using either product.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Why does capsaicin cream burn?

The Zostrix label says burning is normal and related to how it works, and generally fades within several days.

How long does capsaicin cream take to work?

Zostrix says best results typically occur after 2 to 4 weeks of continuous use.

How often should I apply capsaicin cream?

3 to 4 times daily, per the labels.

Can I use a heating pad with capsaicin cream?

No. The labels say do not apply heat to the treated area.

What if capsaicin gets in my eyes?

Rinse thoroughly with water, as the Zostrix label directs, and wash hands after every use.

Is 0.1% capsaicin better than 0.025%?

It is stronger; both labels list the same kinds of muscle and joint pain, so many people start lower and follow the label.

Sources

• Zostrix Original Strength (capsaicin 0.025%) cream label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Capzasin HP Arthritis Pain Relief (capsaicin 0.1%) cream label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Sources checked 2026-10-15.