The role of topical capsaicin gel in pain management during microfocused ultrasound treatment for neck laxity
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
0909752X
eISSN
16000846
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85142228071
Pubmed ID
36382669
Journal Title
Skin Research and Technology
Volume
29
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Skin Research and Technology Vol.29 No.1 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Vachiramon V., Tanratana P., Anuntrangsee T., Palakornkitti P., Yeesibsean N., Kungvalpivat P., Fabi S. The role of topical capsaicin gel in pain management during microfocused ultrasound treatment for neck laxity. Skin Research and Technology Vol.29 No.1 (2023). doi:10.1111/srt.13240 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/82635
Title
The role of topical capsaicin gel in pain management during microfocused ultrasound treatment for neck laxity
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) provides a heat and pain sensation (nociception). Capsaicin, a TRPV1 agonist, has been shown to induce a refractory period in the nerve terminal expressing TRPV1 and create long-term nerve terminal defunctionalization. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of capsaicin for pain reduction during microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) treatment. Methods and materials: A randomized, split-side study including 24 subjects was conducted. A combined 0.025% capsaicin gel and topical anesthetic were randomly applied on one side of the neck, and a topical anesthetic monotherapy was applied on the contralateral side for 30 min before MFU-V treatment. Pain score (visual analog scale, 0–10) was evaluated at T1 (before MFU-V), T2a (after the 4.5-mm transducer treatment), T2b (after the 3.0-mm transducer treatment), and T3 (after the entire treatment). Side effects were recorded. Results: Mean pain scores at T2a for combined and single regimens were 5.19 (±2.26) and 6.91 (±1.72), respectively (p < 0.001). The capsaicin-treated side had a lower pain score at T2b and T3 (p < 0.001). Redness was longer on the capsaicin-treated side (112.67 vs. 10.68 min, p < 0.001). No other adverse events including contact dermatitis were reported. Conclusion: A single application of a combined 0.025% capsaicin gel with topical anesthesia produces a significantly lesser pain score during the MFU-V treatment. Defunctionalization of TRPV1 may explain the alleviation of painful sensations caused by heat from MFU-V.