Capsaicin.
Capsaicin is a member of a group of chemical compounds called capsaicinoids and it is the characteristic substance found in chili peppers.  Capsaicin causes a topical, severe burning sensation in the mouth or the skin. Because of this property, seeds of chili pepper are used as a spice and relevant extracts are added to give piquancy in foods.
Capsaicin is contained in topical ointments which are used to ease neuralgia caused by diabetic neuropathies or peripheral neuropathy in general. Ointments and balms for the relief of aching muscles may contain capsaicin in the form of a chili oil extract. As soon as the ointment is applied, it causes a warm or burning sensation. Heat, increased humidity, heavy clothing, bathing in warm water may boost the sensation. Although capsaicin cannot cure osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, it may relief the pain caused by such conditions.
Quite often, treatment with capsaicin requires from two to six weeks to give the first beneficial effects.
If capsaicin is recommended to be used for management of neuralgia, caused by herpes zoster, the ointment should not be applied on unhealed zoster sores.
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