Capsicum Patches vs. Menthol Pain Patches - Which is Better?

Release time：2023-11-23    Click：152

Capsicum Patches vs. Menthol Patches for Pain Relief

When it comes to pads and patches for relieving muscle aches, stiff joints, arthritis pain, and other types of pain, two popular over-the-counter options are capsicum patches and menthol patches. But which one works better? What are the differences between these two natural pain relief methods?

What are Capsicum Patches?

Capsicum patches contain capsaicin, an active ingredient derived from hot peppers. Capsaicin helps reduce pain signals to the brain and restricts the production of "substance P" - a chemical that is responsible for transmitting pain signals. 

Benefits of Capsicum Pain Patches:

- Long-lasting pain relief for up to 8 hours or more

- Effective for back, knee, shoulder, and other joint pains 

- Improves circulation to the applied area

- Can be cut to size for hard-to-target areas of pain

Where to Apply Capsicum Patches:

- Joints - knees, elbows, fingers, shoulders

- Lower back and other hard-to-treat areas

- Can be used with other pain relief gels or NSAIDs

Side Effects of Capsicum Patches:

Mild skin irritation, redness, and flushed skin are common. Apply for only 8 hours before removal to avoid potential blistering. Not recommended for very sensitive skin types.

What are Menthol Pain Relief Patches?

Menthol patches use menthol and/or methyl salicylate derived from mint plants to provide a cooling, analgesic sensation on contact with the skin. This can help temporarily relieve pain from sore muscles and aching joints affected by arthritis, strains, sprains, or bruises.

Benefits of Menthol Patches:

- Quick cooling relief within minutes of application  

- Typically cheaper than capsicum patches

- Can be used for headaches as well as muscle/joint pain

- Generally regarded as safe for most skin types

Where to Apply Menthol Patches:

- Temples or back of neck for headaches/migraines 

- Sore back muscles, legs, neck, knees or shoulders

- Can combine with heat patches for enhanced relief

Side Effects of Menthol Patches:  

Some risk of skin irritation, rash, or inflammation occurs, especially with overuse or very sensitive skin types. Don't exceed the recommended dosage.

The Verdict: Capsicum Patches Beat Menthol Patches for Severe Pain 

For treating chronic, severe pain issues like arthritis or nerve pain, capsicum patches tend to provide longer-lasting relief compared to menthol. However, those with sensitive skin may benefit more from menthol patches for temporary problems like sore muscles or headaches. Try both options to see which pain relief patch works best for your needs!