Connect
8% topical capsaicin for peripheral neuropathy
A 2024 review of PN treatment options suggests that 8% topical capsaicin can favorably modify the course of (diabetic) PN, rather than merely reduce PN pain, significant though that is in its own right. Whether it can be similarly useful in other forms of PN is not addressed. Here’s an excerpt from the paper:
Of note, recent evidence suggests that treatment with capsaicin 8% topical systems may have an impact beyond pain relief, including the promotion of healthy nerve regeneration (see Unmet needs in the treatment of painful DPN: Disease prevention section for details).68–71 Systemic exposure to capsaicin following application of the topical system is very transient and low, since the high-concentration capsaicin does not penetrate deep into the dermal layers of the skin.58,72 As a result, the capsaicin 8% topical system is well tolerated, with a general lack of systemic ADRs, no potential DDIs or contraindications to its use, and no requirements for dose titration or adjustments in any patients (Table 2).40This makes the capsaicin 8% topical system particularly favorable for use in complex patient populations, such as those taking multiple medications, those with co-morbid conditions, including hepatic or renal impairment, and those in whom treatment with oral medications that increase the risk of falls and fractures is considered unsuitable.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10949339/
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Connect
I have tried the topical capsaicin a few years ago but it didn't help at all for me but I only have numbness with my PN and a little tingling with no pain symptoms. Hope it can provide some relief for others.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionDid you use the 8% and for how long?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionTo be honest I don't remember the strength but guessing it was less than 8% and a generic brand I got at a local drug store.
Yes, can only get the 8% with prescription and takes awhile to show nerve regenerating effects at that strength.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reactionover the counter capsaicin creams do not exceed 0.1 %. The 8 % needs to be applied as a patch by a doctor.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello John, sounds like I am in the same boat as you. How do you carry on with your every day life and activity? Thanks, Berk
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMostly anything that keeps my blood circulating. I try to exercise 30 to 45 minutes a day and try to not to sit too long at one time. I have issues with balance and walking for any distance due to lower back and spine issues which I think are related to flat back syndrome so my daily exercise is riding a recumbent cross fit bike that uses arms and legs. I need to add more stretching and targeted exercises but have been busy with some of those daily life's challenges we all have thrown our way sometimes. I think I need to spend a couple of days to make a plan to get me through winter and here it is only the end of August 🙃
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI hope capsaicin works for many people but it was a nightmare for me. I applied prescription-strength capsaicin the first time without a problem. The next day I stepped into a hot bath. The pain was excruciating! Don’t know why that happened but I would never get near it again.
The only FDA approved capsaicin product for PN is Qutenza in which the active ingredient is embedded in a complex delivery system that is applied by a physician every 3 months via a patch. It has virtually no adverse systemic effects but causes local irritation in about a third of the recipients; in controlled trials this irritation , which is generally transient, caused only 1 % to discontinue its use. Vastly lower doses contained in other non FDA approved topicals frequently cause far more inflammation and have low use compliance because of this.
I had this problem ten years ago. Your info is much more current. I should have mentioned that. Thanks.