What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the effectiveness of topical capsaicin for reducing burning sensations in Burning Mouth Syndrome.

January 22, 2026Open Access

Topical and Mucoadhesive Administration of Capsaicin in the Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatment

JZJacek ZborowskiWroclaw Medical University BKBożena KarolewiczWroclaw Medical University ADArleta Dołowacka-JóźwiakWroclaw Medical University

Key Points

To assess the effectiveness of topical capsaicin for reducing burning sensations in Burning Mouth Syndrome.
Included 29 patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome symptoms.
Evaluated pain using Numeric Rating Scale and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire.
Assessed depression, sleep disturbances, and quality of life with specific questionnaires.
Over 86% of patients experienced pain reduction.
Burning sensation decreased immediately after treatment and at a 3-month follow-up.
Factors such as gender, taste disturbances, depression, and age influenced pain scores.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a common oral condition in older women and is characterized by a multifactorial etiology. To date, no standardized treatment strategy has been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical application of capsaicin (0.025 mg/cm2) in the form of a mucoadhesive bilayer polymer reducing burning sensations in BMS. The study assessed levels of depression, sleep disturbances, and quality of life. Material and Methods: The proof-of-concept study included 29 patients with symptoms of BMS. The peripheral origin of BMS was confirmed by lingual nerve block. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Depression, sleep disturbances, and quality of life were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL). Results: A reduction in pain was observed in over 86% patients. Decrease in burning at treatment sites was recorded immediately after treatment and also at the 3-month follow-up. Gender, taste disturbances, depression, and age were found to have a significant effect on final NRS-11 scores. Conclusions: Significant reduction in pain intensity was achieved in nearly all treated patients, with adverse effects being rare.

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