Hi Steve @possiblecidp, I have not tried it before but there is some evidence that the 8% Capsaicin helps with nerve pain. You will notice that we added to your discussion title to better describe the discussion and hopefully bring in more members who have experience with the topical. Here's some information that supports the use of Capsaicin.

"While low-dose capsaicin has not resulted in good efficacy, the larger dose 8% topical capsaicin has had some of the best data currently ..."
-- Capsaicinoids in the treatment of neuropathic pain: a review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3886382/

-- Qutenza (capsaicin) 8% patch onset and duration of response and effects of multiple treatments in neuropathic pain patients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23765045/

Have you asked your doctor about the treatment?