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.

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Does anyone have topical reccogmendations for neuropathy that doesn't have a sensory component? (ie: just motor) I'm going soon for a byopsis for small fiber neuropathy. Main symptom is loss of balance and muscle wasting.

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Hi Jeff- I'm going thru what you have gone thru and can say that most treatments and creams have been unsuccessful. I've read alot on PubMed and the european counterpart. Currently WinStar has clinical trials going on using pirenzepine. Now... please understand that I'm a layman and not a chemist, drugist or neruoscientist. I'm guessing more than knowing! It is my understanding that pirenzepine is a drug that simulates nicotinic stimulation which can revert neuropathic pain. This is similar to cannabinoids. I have used essential oils that have been known to foster cannabinoid stimulation. I use 25 ml of lidocaine as a base and use 8 drops each of rosemary, black pepper, lavender, copaiba and holy basil. This seems to work for me and provides significant relief from pain and quiets things down for quite a while. Good luck in your search.

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@snagydude

Hi Jeff- I'm going thru what you have gone thru and can say that most treatments and creams have been unsuccessful. I've read alot on PubMed and the european counterpart. Currently WinStar has clinical trials going on using pirenzepine. Now... please understand that I'm a layman and not a chemist, drugist or neruoscientist. I'm guessing more than knowing! It is my understanding that pirenzepine is a drug that simulates nicotinic stimulation which can revert neuropathic pain. This is similar to cannabinoids. I have used essential oils that have been known to foster cannabinoid stimulation. I use 25 ml of lidocaine as a base and use 8 drops each of rosemary, black pepper, lavender, copaiba and holy basil. This seems to work for me and provides significant relief from pain and quiets things down for quite a while. Good luck in your search.

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I’d be interested in knowing if this works on numbness? Thanks

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@tessie63

I’d be interested in knowing if this works on numbness? Thanks

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I don't know. All I can say is to try it.

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I use Susan’s CBD Super Salve. It comes in a roll up stick. It is pricey but long lasting. I use it on muscles and nerves. I have diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. It works on both. At night I put it on my feet and legs and put my footies on to sleep. I use it in daytime when needed Works well for me. I’ve tried other creams with capsaicin which didn’t work. Good luck to you. Also toe socks help me in daytime.

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@seeker03

I use Susan’s CBD Super Salve. It comes in a roll up stick. It is pricey but long lasting. I use it on muscles and nerves. I have diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. It works on both. At night I put it on my feet and legs and put my footies on to sleep. I use it in daytime when needed Works well for me. I’ve tried other creams with capsaicin which didn’t work. Good luck to you. Also toe socks help me in daytime.

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I ordered and received my shipment few days ago.
It’s really not doing much for my foot pain, and pins and needles in my feet.
I’ll continue using it and see if it works better.

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@harley22

I ordered and received my shipment few days ago.
It’s really not doing much for my foot pain, and pins and needles in my feet.
I’ll continue using it and see if it works better.

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I have Fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathy and spinal stenosis
THAT PAIN STUFF -from Amazon
&
ALOCAINE Lidocaine Hydrochloride Gel from Drugstore
Both work great
Good luck

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@suetex

Does anyone have topical reccogmendations for neuropathy that doesn't have a sensory component? (ie: just motor) I'm going soon for a byopsis for small fiber neuropathy. Main symptom is loss of balance and muscle wasting.

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Salon pas works well for me on my feet.

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My husband has rather serious PN in both feet, which causes him to experience high pain (level 8 to 9 out of 10) several times per month along with intense cold from Raynaud's. He finds that applying Vicks and covering feet with those just-below-the-ankle socks helps to alleviate the pain, thus permitting him to get some sleep. I detest the smell of Vicks but I tried it one night when my left foot was creating agonizing pain for me, the entire foot, ankle, top of foot, underneath, toes, up the shin bone. I also took an Aleve (the only OTC that I can take), and the pain did ameliorate. Entire foot/shin was sore and painful to put weight on it but I did gain respect for my husband's home remedy. He continues to suffer periodically from the intense PN pain in his feet, making him have to stay off them and elevated in his recliner. He prefers the Vicks to the Voltaren for the feet.

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I feel the same as you.
I too have tried various creams with no relief from them, and I’ve also had to pay out of pocket for them.
The only thing that I can say works the best is Salon Pas pain patches.
I place them on my feet where the pain is, and it helps me walk at least.

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