Evaluation of a Protocol For Topical Application of Capsaicine Gel 0.025 % in the Management of Burning Mouth Syndrome Correlating its Impact on Quality of Life

Carla Militão Ricken; Silvia Natalia Souza de Péder; Daniela Suemi Kamikawa; Neli Pieralisi; Mariliani Chicarelli & Elen de Souza Tolentino

Summary

The aim of this study is to report the results obtained with a protocol of topical application of capsaicin gel 0.025 % in the management of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) to evaluate the influence of the disease and treatment on their quality of life (QOL) using the OHIP-14 questionnaire (Oral Health Impact Profile). After clinical examination and diagnosis of BMS, 10 patients reported the intensity of the burning by means of a subjective score ranging from 0 to 10 and also answered the OHIP-14. Then, a topical application protocol of capsaicin gel 0.025 % was initiated, with weaning from medication and complete withdrawal within 180 days. At each reassessment consultation (30, 60, 90 and 180 days), the patients answered the OHIP-14 and subjective burning scores were collected again. Overall, the capsaicin gel showed gradual reduction or elimination of symptoms of BMS, as well as an improvement in the QOL of patients throughout treatment. At 180 days, after medication withdrawal, 6 patients (60 %) reported total absence of burning and in four patients (40 %) the score remained or decreased. In one patient (10 %) the score increased, although it remained below the initial score. The results showed an improvement in the QOL of all patients who completed the protocol and the impact of BMS on the QOL decreased in relation to the initial score in all patients. The topical use of 0.025 % capsaicin gel was effective in reducing or remitting symptoms of BMS. The OHIP-14 questionnaire showed the negative impact of BMS on patients' QOL and the role of treatment in its improvement.

KEY WORDS: Burning mouth syndrome, capsaicin, quality of life.

How to cite this article

RICKEN, C. M.; PÉDER, S. N. S.; KAMIKAWA, D. S.; PIERALISI, N.; CHICARELLI, M. & TOLENTINO, E. S. Evaluation of a protocol for topical application of capsaicine gel 0.025 % in the management of burning mouth syndrome correlating its impact on quality of life. Int. J. Odontostomat., 15(2):443-448, 2021.