Topical antacid therapy for capsaicin-induced dermal pain: a poison center telephone-directed study.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The study aimed to assess the effects of topical antacids for treatment of capsaicin-induced dermal pain after exposure to capsaicin containing hot peppers, personal protection sprays, or topical creams.

PROCEDURES:

Participants of the study were California Poison Control System (CPCS) hotline callers 12 years or older with dermal pain from exposure to capsaicin-containing products or plants. Participants were instructed to apply a topical antacid and assessed for perceived pain (using a 0-10 scale) pre- and posttreatment. A positive response was defined as a sustained reduction of pain 33% or more within 30 minutes or achieving a pain score of 0 to 1.

MAIN FINDINGS:

Of 93 eligible patients, 64 applied antacids and had outcome data available. Patients contacted the CPCS a median of 1 hour postexposure with a median initial pain score of 7.5/10. Thirty-six (56%) were exposed to unrefined (natural) peppers and 28 (44%) to refined capsaicin (eg, capsaicin-containing cream). Before calling the CPCS, 57 (89%) attempted at least one treatment. Forty-five (70%) reported positive response to antacid treatment as a 33% reduction in pain in 30 minutes (n = 17), a reduction in pain to a score of 0 to 1 (n = 3), or both (n = 25). A 33% reduction in pain within 30 minutes was associated with exposure to refined capsaicin (odds ratio, 3.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-11.66). Concomitant refined capsaicin exposure and early treatment (<1 hour of symptoms) was associated with even greater odds of response (odds ratio, 5.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-21.2).

CONCLUSION:

Topical application of antacids for capsaicin-induced pain is effective, particularly in early treatment of exposure to refined capsaicin.

• Authors: Susan Y Kim-Katz, Ilene B Anderson, Thomas E Kearney, Conan MacDougall, Karen S Hudmon, Paul D Blanc
• Journal: The American journal of emergency medicine (Am J Emerg Med) Vol. 28 Issue 5 Pg. 596-602 (Jun 2010) ISSN: 1532-8171 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20579556 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antacids
• Capsaicin

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Antacids (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Capsaicin (poisoning)
• Female
• Hotlines
• Humans
• Male
• Pain (drug therapy)
• Pain Measurement
• Poison Control Centers
• Time Factors