Qutenza Patch (8% Capsaicin)

Wessex Pain Clinic

Qutenza Patch (8% Capsaicin)

The Qutenza 8% capsaicin patch is a specialist treatment used to help reduce localised nerve pain. At Wessex Pain Clinic, our consultant pain specialists provide Qutenza patch treatment for patients across Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Dorset, Berkshire, Wiltshire and the South of England, with clinics in Winchester, Southampton, Basingstoke and Chichester.

It is particularly helpful in localised neuropathic pain, such as:

Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles)
Localised nerve pain after surgery, trauma or scar formation
Peripheral neuropathic pain conditions affecting a clearly defined area

Think of it as a “reset signal” for pain-sensitive nerve endings in the affected region.

How does it work?

In chronic neuropathic pain, small nerve fibres can become sensitised and fire pain signals more frequently than they should. The Qutenza patch temporarily reduces the activity of these nerve endings, helping to dampen the volume of the pain signals they send.
Applied directly to the painful area, usually for 30–60 minutes
Works by affecting TRPV1 receptors on pain-sensing nerve fibres
Pain relief usually develop over several days
Treatment can be repeated if needed, to build up benefit
This is a non-opioid treatment and should not affect normal sensation in the surrounding area.

Who is it suitable for?

Qutenza can be considered when:

Pain is localised to a clearly defined area

Other treatments (e.g., gabapentinoids, SNRIs, topical lidocaine) have been only partially helpful or poorly tolerated

We wish to avoid sedation, systemic medication side-effects or opioid escalation.

What happens during the appointment?

The painful area is identified and marked.
The Qutenza patch is then applied for roughly 30–60 minutes.
After removal, the area is cleaned and a cooling gel may be applied.
You can go home shortly afterwards.

Most patients describe a warm or “hot” sensation during treatment — this is expected and settles afterwards.

Side Effects

Side effects are generally local and temporary:
Warmth, burning or tingling in the treated area (usually short-lived). The intensity of this does vary
Temporary redness or sensitivity

Follow-Up and Repeat Treatment

You may begin to feel benefit after a few days, with improvement building over the first few weeks. Treatment can be repeated every 3 months if helpful. We will monitor your pain response, sleep, function and quality of life to assess benefit.

Disclaimer

Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, Salisbury and Chichester – with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.

Marvin Woodrow

One visit and my pain problems have been resolved. Will definitely use again if the need arises. Can recommend Dr. Tom Bloomfield as he is very professional and communicates all aspects of the procedure so that it is understandable.

Jennifer Rudder

Dr Bloomfield is amazing. He has helped me so much. He clearly lives what he does and because of that is truly engaging and listens. I am so pleased with the outcome too, I feel much more myself and have confidence that my issue will become a thing of the past. I highly recommend seeing Dr Bloomfield for any issues you may have with pain.

Evie Cox

I highly recommend Dr Bloomfield at the Wessex Pain clinic! I was referred to Dr Bloomfield after 18 months of unrelenting knee pain which had stopped me from all activities I had previously enjoyed, even simply walking my dog each day. All previous treatments had been unsuccessful in reducing my pain, but Dr Bloomfield recommended trying a nerve block to reduce my pain levels. He was incredibly gentle and compassionate during the procedure and in all consultations, and his approach to managing and treating pain from all different angles in life is refreshing! Two weeks on from the procedure and I have been able to get back to walking my dog daily and I'm very much looking forward to increasing my activity levels again now that my pain levels have dropped so significantly. I can't recommend Dr Bloomfield enough, thank you for giving me back my freedom of movement!

Roger Christie

Dr. Bloomfield was very helpful, kind and considerate. He listened, discussed concerns, explained everything and gave us time, something nowadays one does not always receive. He understood the pain I was experiencing and I am hoping that the treatment options suggested will work in the long term. The clinic itself is well presented and welcoming.

Sarah Clark

I saw Dr Bloomfield this week at Wessex Pain Clinic and was incredibly impressed by both his medical knowledge and communication skills. He was efficient, empathetic, and validating throughout the appointment. I received a copy of his clinic letter just three hours after our consultation, which was outstanding. He also shared some excellent ideas for pain management interventions that felt thoughtful and tailored to my needs. I'm a complex patient with a very complicated medical history. I would thoroughly recommend both Dr Bloomfield and Wessex Pain Clinic to anyone seeking expert and compassionate care.

Jacek Omilian

I’m really grateful to Dr Hyde for her time, clarity, and kindness during my pain management consultation. I came in worried that my ankle pain might be turning into something chronic or more serious. She took my concerns seriously, explained everything in a way I could understand, and helped me feel much more reassured. She combined medical knowledge with real empathy something I really appreciated. I left with a clear plan, including medication advice and practical steps to reduce the risk of long-term pain. This was one of the most helpful and supportive consultations I’ve ever had. Thank you.

Hannah Farrell

My treatment with Dr Hyde was exactly what I needed to help my pain. Incredible, personal service I will defiantly be back.

Wessex Pain Clinic

Dr Matt Stubbs

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Eleanor Hyde

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Tom Bloomfield

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Jo Harding

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Wessex Pain Clinics

Qutenza Patch (8% Capsaicin)

Wessex Pain Clinic