Heat/burning sensation induced by topical application of capsaicin on perineal cutaneous area: new approach in diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome?

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of perineal cutaneous application of capsaicin as a test for the diagnosis, as well as a potential therapeutic tool, in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

Methods: We recruited 22 patients (mean age 34.5 years, range 19 to 56), who had been diagnosed with CP/CPPS according to the National Institutes of Health criteria, and 6 healthy control subjects.