1. < Neuropathy

Topical creams and lotions for Small Fiber Neuropathy

Posted by jeffrapp @jeffrapp, Oct 11, 2019

This topic has been addressed in other posts. However, it is somewhat scatter shot, so I thought it would be appropriate to address it as a separate subject.
I have idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. I have tried numerous creams and other preparations. Sometimes I think they are working a little, sometimes not at all.
As examples, I have used lidocaine 5%, various cannabinoids (as balms, creams and soaks), cantherides (that hurt!) and various combinations of compounded creams containing lidocaine, ketamine, phenytoin, ketoralac and others (all of which are very expensive and not covered by MediCare).
One of my "theories" is that they are not penetrating enough, so I tried a few of them with DMSO cream, which is a solvent and supposedly penetrates the skin. Still no real success.
I'd be interested to hear from others about their experiences with topicals, and particularly any suggestions or tricks that makes them work better.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

cherbear2cubs | @cherbear2cubs | Aug 4, 2023

I have used many topicals on my feet from capsacin creams, voltaren, biofreeze, balms etc...currently I am doing a 5-10 min epsom salt bath followed by CBD cream and elevating feet before bed. I cannot say if anything is magically helping but the epsom salt is inexpensive and seems to relieve the pins and needles for a few hours. The CBD lotion is soothing too. I have not tried any magnesium cream but take as supplement. Thanks for sharing your trials!

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ch47 | @ch47 | Aug 4, 2023
In reply to @ess77 "@ch47, @emo, and all...Well, wonderful news! I'm so pleased your procedure went well. My son has..." + (show)
@ess77

@ch47, @emo, and all...Well, wonderful news! I'm so pleased your procedure went well. My son has had several nerve ablations for a continuously firing nerve in his left neck/shoulder/arm that sends electrical activity throughout his body. The last 2 ablations have helped him greatly! He also has maximum Botox injections for Cervical Dystonia and all that goes with it, uses medical cannabis and THC lotions/inhalants, and other medications to help, but the ablations are a part of the foundation now of his treatment. He actually was in crisis the first of the year and had the procedure with no sedation. I was sitting with them and in tears, as I watched him clench his fist in extreme pain but stay completely still as the procedure continued. It was a gift in the help it gave, but excruciating. I was thrilled this one was in the clinic with anesthesia, and a lot, of Dilaudid which he has in a pain pump and with propranolol. With those medications, he was able to communicate with the doctor as they worked but not have the pain as before.

These procedures may last for a few months to a few years. I'm hopeful you get the maximum and best relief possible.

Now, REST! This is a lot for your body to experience. Give yourself a chance to rest, recover and get better. Keep hydrated well throughout and always. Sound like your mother, eh? Well, NOT...but know all too well how these things go and just passing along some personal advice.

Sleep well,
Blessings, Elizabeth

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Elizabeth,
Just getting my brains in order, and I am so sorry to hear about your sons experience with no anesthesia…I did have several moments of serious table gripping…like a blow torch on my foot/ankle, but they let me know in advance. Went away quickly.
Horrible to watch your loved one suffer…
You can sound like my mother anytime…she would have said exactly that and it’s a great reminder!
Thanks…

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skeleton | @skeleton | Aug 4, 2023
In reply to @jgmmsw "Thank you so much and I’m so sorry about what you and your husband must be..." + (show)
@jgmmsw

Thank you so much and I’m so sorry about what you and your husband must be going through. My thoughts are with you

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Thank you. Good luck for less pain to you.🤗

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timber3085 | @timber3085 | Aug 5, 2023

I use Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, it’s for for Arthritis but it really helps with the burning and small fiber nerves. You do need a scrip but you can get a lower dose over the counter. Medicare does cover this. Hopes this helps

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2 replies
thistooshallpass1 | @thistooshallpass1 | Aug 6, 2023
In reply to @emo "It's technically possible to take too much magnesium, so I think the maximum dose recommended in..." + (show)
@emo

It's technically possible to take too much magnesium, so I think the maximum dose recommended in a supplement is no more than 600 mg, but I think most people take less than this.

The other thing to be cautious about is there are several different forms of magnesium supplements, and many of them have a laxative effect. That's a good thing if you're trying to stay regular or are prone to constipation, but not so great if that's nothing something you're going for!

If it helps: My PCP told me 300 mg of magnesium is the dose that's been studied for muscle cramping.

Magnesium Glycinate does not have a laxative effect and is associated with reducing anxiety, helping with sleep, and relaxing the muscles. It's more expensive, but I figured I'd rather go with what was studied a little more. I take 150 mg magnesium glycinate and 300 mg of magnesium citrate (which can have a laxative at a high enough dose), but this is because I have slowed motility related to autonomic neuropathy.

I used this as a guide while I was deciding what to take and how much: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-dosage

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I have had neuropathy for about two years now and nothing I did would give me much relief. I found this oil from Walmart one day and tried it. I helps a lot in conjunction with my meds of course. Helps the pain and discomfort tremendously... Hope this helps

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1 reply
cjay | @cjay | Aug 7, 2023
In reply to @thistooshallpass1 "I have had neuropathy for about two years now and nothing I did would give me..." + (show)
@thistooshallpass1

I have had neuropathy for about two years now and nothing I did would give me much relief. I found this oil from Walmart one day and tried it. I helps a lot in conjunction with my meds of course. Helps the pain and discomfort tremendously... Hope this helps

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Does it help with burning and pins and needles (I have it bad on my feet)
Thanks!

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ch47 | @ch47 | Aug 11, 2023
In reply to @timber3085 "I use Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, it’s for for Arthritis but it really helps with the..." + (show)
@timber3085

I use Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, it’s for for Arthritis but it really helps with the burning and small fiber nerves. You do need a scrip but you can get a lower dose over the counter. Medicare does cover this. Hopes this helps

Jump to this post

I use the topical over the counter gel, which helps for some things, but you have to be “on it” with remembering to use it as recommended by doc, (even though not RX, they recommend it) usually 3-4 times daily, otherwise I found it didn’t help…daaa
However, the diclofenac patches work very well for me, rx, and last longer than the 12 hours it says.
Expensive but effective. Look up good rx before you get the rx, and have RX sent to cheapest pharmacy. I found CVS to be the least expensive in my area.
Good luck!

REPLY
1 reply
ch47 | @ch47 | Aug 11, 2023
In reply to @ch47 "I use the topical over the counter gel, which helps for some things, but you have..." + (show)
@ch47

I use the topical over the counter gel, which helps for some things, but you have to be “on it” with remembering to use it as recommended by doc, (even though not RX, they recommend it) usually 3-4 times daily, otherwise I found it didn’t help…daaa
However, the diclofenac patches work very well for me, rx, and last longer than the 12 hours it says.
Expensive but effective. Look up good rx before you get the rx, and have RX sent to cheapest pharmacy. I found CVS to be the least expensive in my area.
Good luck!

Jump to this post

Of course, depends on where you need them as to if the patches will work for you …

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ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Aug 12, 2023
In reply to @timber3085 "I use Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, it’s for for Arthritis but it really helps with the..." + (show)
@timber3085

I use Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, it’s for for Arthritis but it really helps with the burning and small fiber nerves. You do need a scrip but you can get a lower dose over the counter. Medicare does cover this. Hopes this helps

Jump to this post

@timber3085, and all...That's Voltarin, and yes it's now OTC. I still get it from my pharmacy as a prescription at no cost, though, as Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% I think...A much better way to get it and works better. I also use a steroid cream if I'm having increased pain. It works quickly and really gives me relief without the normal steroid side effects if taken internally. Can't use it always, but as needed and for no longer than 2 weeks at a time in the same area.
I find it is my best serious pain relief, with a hot therapy pool.

Off now to put some on my hands/fingers/wrists/arms/shoulders...typing a lot recently with doctor communications and completing online forms! Pain inducers...
Blessings, Elizabeth

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erichendrix | @erichendrix | Oct 17, 2023

I've found that Aspercreme original max strength topical analgesic cream reduces the distressing hypersensitivity in my hands and feet. It seems to work as well or better than lidocaine preparations.

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