Qutenza Patch Treatment for Nerve Pain
Qutenza (capsaicin 8%) is a skin patch treatment that provides patients with highly effective relief for nerve pain for several weeks, or even months.
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What is Qutenza?
Qutenza is a skin patch treatment that contains a concentrated, synthetic form of capsaicin – the same compound that gives chilli peppers their heat. When applied to the skin, it temporarily reduces the activity of pain-sensing nerve endings. This helps calm overactive pain signals and can provide relief for weeks or even months.
Qutenza is licensed as a treatment for adults with peripheral neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage), including:
- pain following shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia)
- painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet
- other types of localised nerve pain, such as post-surgical or post-traumatic nerve injury
This treatment may be suitable for you if you have:
- burning, stabbing, tingling, or shooting nerve pain that hasn’t responded well to tablets or creams
- localised nerve pain in your feet or other body parts
- trouble tolerating side effects of standard neuropathic pain medicines (such as gabapentin or pregabalin)
Before you start treatment, your consultant will carefully assess your pain history and discuss whether Qutenza is an appropriate option.
At Welbeck, Qutenza patch treatment is delivered by our experienced pain management experts in our state-of-the-art procedure rooms within our Surgery Centre.
What does Qutenza patch treatment involve?
On the day of your treatment, you’ll be admitted to one of our private patient rooms. Your consultant will explain the treatment again, answer any questions, and mark the treatment area on your skin.
You’ll then be taken to our enhanced procedure room, where the patch is carefully applied to the skin in the most painful areas during a short procedure.
After a brief period of monitoring, you’ll return to your private room, where you can relax while the patch continues to work. The patch stays in place for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated. During this time, capsaicin penetrates the upper layer of the skin and reduces the sensitivity of local pain nerves.
It’s common to feel warmth, stinging, or a burning sensation under the patch. Your blood pressure may rise slightly while this happens, so we monitor it throughout. These symptoms will stop shortly after the patch is removed, though the area may remain sensitive for a few days.
To keep you comfortable while the patch is in place, we’ll provide cooling packs or fans, which you can use during or after treatment. Your consultant may also prescribe pain relief if needed during the procedure.
Once the set time has passed, the patch is removed, and the skin is cleansed with a special gel and washed with soap and water. You’ll be observed for a short while before you can go home.
Many patients notice some improvement within a few days, though it may take up to 2 weeks to feel the maximum benefit. Relief can last for up to 3 months, and the procedure can be repeated when needed (no sooner than every 90 days).
What are the risks of Qutenza patch treatment?
Qutenza must only be applied by trained healthcare professionals wearing protective equipment. It’s not suitable if:
- the skin in the treatment area is broken or infected
- you’re allergic to capsaicin or chilli peppers
- you have poorly controlled high blood pressure or significant heart disease
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as redness, itching, swelling, or pain at the application site. Rarely, more severe skin reactions (such as burns) have been reported.
How to prepare for Qutenza patch treatment
There’s no special preparation required ahead of having the Qutenza patch treatment. If anything is required, such as stopping certain medications, your consultant will advise you in good time.
Recovery and aftercare
The treated area may be red or feel sensitive for a few days, which is expected with this treatment.
To aid your recovery after the treatment, you should:
- avoid hot baths, vigorous exercise, and sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours
- apply cool packs or take paracetamol can help if discomfort persists (use as directed)
- wear gloves for 1 to 2 days afterwards if your hands were treated
Your consultant will provide you with all the relevant aftercare advice, and they may invite you for a follow-up consultation in the clinic or by phone within 6 to 8 weeks.
Qutenza can be repeated as often as every 3 months, depending on your pain pattern and response. Some people benefit from a single treatment, while others need a course of 2 or 3 before they notice longer-term improvements.
How much does private Qutenza patch treatment cost?
Qutenza is available at Welbeck as a private treatment. Your consultant will discuss the number of patches likely to be required and the costs in advance.
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, our pain medicine specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Booking a private Qutenza patch treatment
To book a Qutenza patch treatment, you must be referred by either your GP or a consultant following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a pain medicine specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
Can Qutenza be used alongside other pain treatments?
Yes. Qutenza can often be combined with other approaches such as medication, physiotherapy, or nerve blocks. Your consultant will review your current treatments and create a plan that’s safe and effective for you.
How soon will I notice a difference after treatment?
Some people notice improvement within a few days, while for others it can take a few weeks for nerve sensitivity to reduce. Your consultant will guide you on what to expect and when to review your progress.
Can Qutenza be repeated if my pain returns?
Yes. The treatment can be safely repeated every 90 days if your pain symptoms return. Your consultant will advise on the right timing based on your individual response.
Who should not have Qutenza?
Qutenza isn’t suitable for use on broken or irritated skin, or if you’re allergic to capsaicin or any of the patch ingredients. It’s also not licensed for use in children. Your clinician will check your medical history before confirming suitability.