Case Report: The Use of Topical Concentrated Capsaicin Cream to Treat Erythromelalgia in a Pediatric Patient

Author(s):  McElhiney Linda F

Issue:  May/Jun 2011 - Volume 15, Number 3
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Abstract:  This article includes a case report on a 9-year-old girl who presented with symptoms of erythromelalgia. Since there is no gold standard treatment for erythromelalgia, the patient underwent several therapies as the hospital pain team and a compounding pharmacist worked tirelessly to determine the quickest and most effective treatment. The treatment option of a compounded capsaicin 10% in Velvachol was prescribed for this patient, with positive results. Topical application of high-dose capsaicin cream can be very effective in treating intractable pain due to erythromelalgia and other complex regional pain syndromes. Although it is a complicated treatment, the improved quality of life for the patient can be remarkable.

Related Keywords: Linda F. McElhiney, PharmD, RPh, FIACP, FASHP, case report, formulation, children, topical preparation, capsaicin cream, erythromelalgia, pain syndrome, pain relief, analgesia, analgesic, hazardous substance, Velvachol

Related Categories: FORMULATIONS, PAIN MANAGEMENT, PEDIATRICS, CASE REPORTS, DOSAGE FORMS/DRUG CARRIERS

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