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topical creams for pain & inflamation; and possibly lyme treatment?

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Posted 11/26/2011 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
My doc recently gave me a cream for muscle pain I've been having since the beginning. It's something used by a lot of arthritis patients for pain and inflammation. The main ingredients are capsaicin & menthol. I rubbed this over my chest, neck, shoulders. I started feeling pretty bad that night, and thought maybe I was having a bad reaction to it. Then I got lots of rest and the next day I had no pain, I could breathe again, and generally felt much better all around.

I'm guessing this helps with inflammation that is so common with lyme, but I had another idea. I've read a lot that lyme doesn't like heat, and it kills lyme. Well, with capsaicin (the stuff that makes hot peppers hot) being rubbed directly into the skin, is it possible that I was killing lyme that was just lurking in my muscle tissues or whatever? Was I having a herx reaction? This cream seems to have helped where my abx have not (knock on wood).

This is just an idea, I'm not sure if it actually kills lyme but it definitely helps with pain and inflammation and I want to see what the rest of you think.
Posted 11/27/2011 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, if it works, don't knock it, I say!

Glad you found something that helps.
Posted 11/27/2011 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Skbm,
I'm sure glad that you found something that helps with the pain!!! The heat required to kill the Lyme bacteria is much greater than what the cream could create, but the warmth definitely helps me some days as well!
Posted 11/29/2011 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
I put caspian cream on my sore feet one time and it burned my feet so bad. I was miserable for three days!

I had a massage therapist tell me castor oil for muscle pain. I have been using it for a week with no positive results.

I have also heard of arnica oil but have not tried it.

Hot tubs help me the most. Too bad I don't have one! :(
Posted 11/29/2011 4:10 AM (GMT 0)

Traveler said...
Skbm,
I'm sure glad that you found something that helps with the pain!!! The heat required to kill the Lyme bacteria is much greater than what the cream could create, but the warmth definitely helps me some days as well!

I'm confused -

If this is true, how is lyme killed when we exercise, or go in the sauna or hot tub? As far as I know, the body temp only rises a few degrees. I feel like the stuff in this cream (the "hot" in hot peppers) should be able to create a lot of heat... I mean... it sure does feel like it's burning.

Please correct me if I'm wrong or help me understand. I may be missing the point.
Posted 11/29/2011 10:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi sk,

I think traveler was referring to the fact that it takes a temperature of 105F for several days to kill the Lyme bacteria completely.

Anytime you can increase the temperature of your body through exercise, saunas and the like, you will create an environment the bacteria doesn't like or thrive in. You might even kill some of them off, but not all of them.

Your cream with hot peppers provides warmth and reduces inflammation. Hot peppers also have an germicidal and antibiotic quality. However, at the concentrations you are using, it certainly provides relief but I don't think you are looking at a cure! Don't let that stop you from using it: we need all the help we can get!
Posted 11/29/2011 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for a great explanation, Achievinggrace!!
Posted 11/29/2011 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you.

I will definitely keep using it because it seems to help. I certainly don't expect a magical all-in-one cure (although it would be nice). :)

This is the product if anyone wants to try:
http://www.amazon.com/Flex-Gesic-Progressive-Labs-Cream/dp/B000JMU18U

Even if it just reduces inflammation, that's a great thing for lyme patients. I've read that inflammation is half the battle with lyme and it seems to be true.


*I am in no way involved with any business here, just found that this has helped me*

Post Edited (skBM) : 11/29/2011 1:14:44 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/30/2011 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Inflammation is a big thing for us! My doc has me on a tincture specifically to reduce inflammation, as it has been a huge thing for all parts of me!

Also thanks for putting in that disclaimer - that way everyone knows that it's just a product that you found helpful and wanted to share about!! smilewinkgrin
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