Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating the symptoms of certain allergy-related conditions using capsaicin in solution or suspension combined with a selected local anesthetic, topical steroid or antihistamine. The same methods and compositions may be used to treat headaches.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating superficial pain syndromes incorporates capsaicin in a therapeutically effective amount into a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and adding to this composition a local anesthetic such as lidocaine or benzocaine. The composition containing the anesthetic is then applied to the site of the pain. A variation on the treatment includes initial treatment with the composition containing the local anesthetic until the patient has become desenstitized to the presence of capsaicin and subsequent treatment with a composition ommitting the local anesthetic.