title: Application of a capsaicin rinse in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the efficacy of a new topical capsaicin presentation as an oral rinse in improving the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome (BMS).
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, double-blind, cross-over study was made of 30 patients with BMS. There were 7 dropouts; the final study series thus comprised 23 individuals. The patients were randomized to two groups: (A) capsaicin rinse (0.02%) or (B) placebo rinse, administered during one week. After a one-week washout period, the patients were then assigned to the opposite group. Burning discomfort was scored using a visual analog scale (VAS): in the morning before starting the treatment, in the afternoon on the first day of treatment, and at the end of the week of treatment in the morning and in the afternoon. The same scoring sequence was again applied one week later with the opposite rinse.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean patient age was 72.65 ± 12.10 years, and the duration of BMS was 5.43 ± 3.23 years on average. Significant differences in VAS score were recorded in the capsaicin group between baseline in the morning (AM1) or afternoon (AA1) and the end of the week of treatment (AA7)(p=0.003 and p=0.002, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The topical application of capsaicin may be useful in treating the discomfort of BMS, but has some limitations.
authors: Department of Stomatology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. francisco.silvestre@uv.es
authors: Francisco-Javier
authors: FJ
authors: Silvestre
authors: Javier
authors: J
authors: Silvestre-Rangil
authors: Carmen
authors: C
authors: Tamarit-Santafé
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Bautista
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002054:Burning Mouth Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018689:Sensory System Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D009067:Mouthwashes; D018689:Sensory System Agents; D002211:Capsaicin