How do you wash off capsaicin cream? (+1 ways)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss how you can remove capsaicin cream from the site of application. Topical capsaicin creams are applied on the surface of the skin and rubbed appropriately for complete absorption. The excess cream is wiped off.
How do you wash off capsaicin cream?
Capsaicin cream may be washed off with soap or rubbed off with oily compounds. The oily compounds may include vegetable oil, petroleum jelly and polyethylene glycol. However, simply using water will not remove capsaicin from the skin (1).
Also, vinegar and topical antacid suspension preparations are ineffective. If capsaicin cream goes into your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with plenty of water. If capsaicin cream gets on your face, scalp, or private parts, wash the area with warm soapy water (1).
Capsaicin cream is used to reduce neuropathic pain and pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy. If you do not remove capsaicin cream on time or use an excess of the cream, it may cause side effects such as burning and irritation.
You should consult your doctor if you experience such side effects. Always use the prescribed dose of capsaicin cream as defined by your doctor. If you have a skin allergy to any of the ingredients used to wash off capsaicin cream, inform your doctor beforehand.
What factors influence the topical removal of capsaicin cream?
Several factors may hinder the removal of capsaicin cream from the skin surface. Always follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider about the proper use and removal of capsaicin cream.
Broken or injured skin
You should never apply capsaicin cream on broken or injured skin. It should also be avoided on burned, scraped, or sunburned skin. Aside from excessive pain and burning sensation, you will also find it difficult to rub and wash the injured area.
Bandage or wrap
Never put a tight bandage at the application site after applying capsaicin cream. Doing so will increase the chances of side effects including itching, stinging, and burning sensation. It will be difficult to wash off capsaicin cream from the bandaged area.
How long should capsaicin cream be left on the skin?
Capsaicin cream is available at a dose strength of 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%. Capsaicin cream is usually left on the skin till you feel ‘heat’ coming out of your skin. Once you experience such a condition, the excess of cream is promptly removed.
The duration of capsaicin cream application and treatment is empiric; it is based on observation and response. When you first start using capsaicin cream, you will experience an immense burning sensation. The intensity of heat varies among individuals.
However, the skin will begin to desensitize after repetitive applications. Once capsaicin is removed, the neurons begin to recover (2). The usual adult dosing of capsaicin cream is as follows (3):
| Condition | Dosing frequency |
| Arthritic pain | Apply a thin film of capsaicin cream 3-4 times a day. |
| Musculoskeletal pain | Apply a thin film of capsaicin cream 3-4 times a day |
| Psoriasis |
Apply cream 6 times a day for 3 days. On the 4th day, apply cream 4 times a day. |
What are the side effects of prolonged application of capsaicin cream?
You should only apply a thin film of capsaicin cream on the affected area and wipe off the excess cream. Prolonged application of capsaicin cream may cause side effects at the application site, including (4):
- Itching and irritation,
- Redness and soreness,
- Dryness,
- Stinging and extreme burning sensation,
- Pain, and
- Erthymia.
Although systemic events due to prolonged use of capsaicin cream are rare, inhalation of capsaicin cream may cause respiratory irritation (5). Your doctor will wear rubber gloves and a face mask before applying capsaicin cream. You should also adopt such practices.
What to do if capsaicin cream irritates your skin?
If capsaicin cream irritates your skin more than usual, immediately wash it with soap and water. Get medical attention and talk to your doctor. Do not cover the affected area with a bandage or hot compress as it may intensify the burning sensation.
Your doctor may discontinue the use of capsaicin cream for some time or instruct you to apply pea-size cream on your skin and rub it completely. In case of severe irritation, your doctor may prescribe amitriptyline cream instead of capsaicin cream (6).
Avoid excessive heat or activities that make you sweat profusely as it may increase the irritation and burning sensation. Although irritation goes away in several days, sometimes it may persist for 2-4 weeks.
The usual dose of capsaicin cream varies among the individuals. You should always follow your doctor’s guidelines about the proper use of capsaicin cream. Always wash your hands after applying capsaicin cream.
However, if you are using capsaicin for arthritic pain in your hand, do not wash your hand for the next 30 minutes after application. If you are not comfortable using capsaicin cream, your doctor may prescribe diclofenac (Voltaren gel or Aleve arthritis gel) for arthritic pain.
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References
1.-
Malmberg AB, Mizisin AP, Calcutt NA, von Stein T, Robbins WR, Bley KR. Reduced heat sensitivity and epidermal nerve fiber immunostaining following single applications of a high-concentration capsaicin patch. Pain. 2004 Oct 1;111(3):360-7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304395904003446
2.-
Dray A. Mechanism of action of capsaicin-like molecules on sensory neurons. Life sciences. 1992 Jan 1;51(23):1759-65. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/002432059290045Q
3.-
Capsaicin: Risks and Benefits. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/capsaicin-risks-and-benefits
4.-
Derry S, Moore RA, Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care Group. Topical capsaicin (low concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 1996 Sep 1;2019(5). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6540838/
5.-
Rains C, Bryson HM. Topical capsaicin: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential in post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy and osteoarthritis. Drugs & aging. 1995 Oct;7:317-28. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00002512-199507040-00007
6.-
Kiani J, Nasrollahi SA, Esna-Ashari F, Fallah P, Sajedi F. Amitriptyline 2% cream vs. capsaicin 0.75% cream in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy (Double blind, randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety). Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR. 2015;14(4):1263. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673956/
