Linde LD, et al. - Researchers investigated the sensitizing effect of topical capsaicin with skin pre-heating vs topical capsaicin alone by administering topical capsaicin (Zostrix HP 0.075%) only (CAP), topical capsaicin with pre-heating (CAP+HEAT), and topical non-sensitizing placebo cream to 20 young, healthy subjects. A significantly larger area of secondary hyperalgesia was induced following the CAP+HEAT session vs CAP session as measured by brush allodynia and skin temperature. These findings indicate that pre-heating leads to enhancement of the sensitizing effect of topical capsaicin within 30 minutes of application. Differing magnitudes of central sensitization induction thus could be assessed using the heat-capsaicin technique.