Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Establishing a Mouse Model of a Pure Small Fiber Neuropathy with the Ultrapotent Agonist of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1
Published on: February 13, 2018
Capsaicin for the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis
Adam C Steinberg1, Ian A Oyama, Amy E Rejba
1University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-Camden, Cooper University Hospital, USA. steinberg-adam@cooperhealth.edu
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of local capsaicin cream as an effective treatment for patients with documented vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.
Study Design:
A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who received a diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome that was treated with capsaicin. Patients performed local application of capsaicin 0.025% cream for 20 minutes daily for 12 weeks. A comparison was made between the pre- and posttreatment Kaufman touch test to evaluate discomfort. The Marinoff dyspareunia scale was also used to assess pre- and posttreatment.
Results:
The sum of the Kaufman touch test scores before the treatment (13.2 +/- 4.9) compared with the scores after treatment (4.8 +/- 3.8) was statistically improved (P < .001). A significant improvement was also observed at each individual site (P < .001). The Marinoff dyspareunia scale also showed a significant improvement (P < .001).
Conclusion:
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome that is treated with capsaicin significantly decreases discomfort and allows for more frequent sexual relations.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Candidiasis
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Genital Herpes
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists

