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Medicines capsaicinQuestion & answer

capsaicin · Medicine question

Can capsaicin be used on an active shingles rash?

iatroX medicinesPublished 19 August 2026Reviewed 19 August 2026

The answer

Answer

No. The cream is licensed for post-herpetic neuralgia only after open lesions have healed, and both formulations require intact skin.

Sources for this answer

Capsaicin 0.075% w/w Creamemc · SmPC Current selected SmPC · Version 1
Qutenza 179mg cutaneous patch (UK-GB)emc · SmPC Current selected SmPC · Version 17

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capsaicin

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