From the Cochrane Collaboration:
Andrew Moore, from the Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics at the University of Oxford, discusses the available evidence on the use of rubefacients for acute and chronic pain.
Further reading on rubefacients
Mason L, Moore RA, Edwards JE, McQuay HJ, Derry S, Wiffen PJ. Systematic review of efficacy of topical rubefacients containing salicylates for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. BMJ 2004; 328(7446):995.
European CHMP issues positive opinion on Qutenza® (capsaicin) patch for peripheral neuropathic pain in non-diabetic patients. National electronic Library for Medicines.
Longterm efficacy of topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in knee osteoarthritis: metaanalysis of randomized placebo controlled clinical trials. National electronic Library for Medicines.