[Problematic use of capsaicin patches as pain relief during labour]

Some pregnant women use capsaicin patches placed on the lower back as pain relief during labour. The effect of prescription capsaicin patches for treatment of neuropathic pain is pharmacologically documented. There are no studies on the effect of capsaicin patches on labour pain. In this case report, capsaicin patches placed on the lower back prevented epidural analgesia during labour and spinal anaesthesia for suturing of perineal rupture due to oedema and erythema of the skin. Due to lack of evidence, neuraxial anaesthesia after the use of capsaicin patches on the lower back are contraindicated.

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