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Medicines capsaicinQuestion & answer

capsaicin · Medicine question

Why does capsaicin burn when applied?

iatroX medicinesPublished 19 August 2026Reviewed 19 August 2026

The answer

Answer

It initially activates heat- and pain-sensing TRPV1 receptors, causing burning or redness before nerve endings become less responsive.

Sources for this answer

Qutenza 179mg cutaneous patch (UK-GB)emc · SmPC Current selected SmPC · Version 17

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The full medicine guide

capsaicin

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