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.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Oct 12, 2019

@jeffrapp after I was diagnosed in 2016 with small fiber PN and the neurologist told me there were no topicals that would help the numbness I started my search and tried most all of the over the counter topicals with no relief. A friend put me on to essential oils and it made my feet feel better but didn’t do anything for the numbness. It may help with pain but that’s not one of my symptoms. I tried different blends of oils where one was the carrier used to penetrate the skin.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324999.php

Chris, Alumni Mentor | @artscaping | Oct 12, 2019

In reply to @johnbishop "@jeffrapp after I was diagnosed in 2016 with small fiber PN and the neurologist told me..." + (show)

@jeffrapp, And I have experimented quite a bit with medical cannabis balms. There is one that gives me both pain and numbness relief. That is Papa and Barkley 3:1 Releaf Balm. If you want more info let me know. May you find joy today. Chris

Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Oct 12, 2019

@jeffrapp

I've not seen any effect with Capzasin. My sister gave me a smelly oil that she swears by - max pr-35, but had no effect on my foot pain. Uber Numb that I found on Amazon, might help a little for a short time. I have used lidocaine cream 5% with short term relief. Mostly I use it at bedtime and it reduces the pain while I'm going to sleep. As a rule, my feet become less painful after a while in bed. As a rule, I said, but not always.

Does a cannabis oil or cream do anything? Does it smell like cannabis? I really don't like that odor.

Jim

Chris, Alumni Mentor | @artscaping | Oct 12, 2019

@jeffrapp Hi, almost forgot, length of benefit 2-3 hours depending on source of pain and application strength. Chris

jeffrapp | @jeffrapp | Oct 13, 2019

Thanks to all for their suggestions.
I have use BioFreeze, which helps when my feet are burning.
I find that most of the time, when my feet start burning (usually due to pressure such as shoes and socks), they actually feel hot to the touch. What are your experiences with this?

burningfeetinphoenix | @burningfeetinphoenix | Oct 14, 2019

@jeffrapp I cannot wear shoes or socks. My feet feel hot to touch even without socks on and heat 🔥 up more in socks and/or shoes...Pam

pkagarwal | @pkagarwal | Feb 28, 2021

I came across this research posting on a number of sites suggesting that a 10% topical cream helps reduce neuropathy pain. Has anyone tried using this Trachyspermum amm (Ajwain) topical cream? In fact, I have not been able to locate a source for this. Ajwain essential oil is avaialble. I would appreciate the insight of fellow neuro-travellers!

Trachyspermum ammi 10 % topical cream versus placebo on neuropathic pain, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
I cannot post the URL link but a search on the above line will take you to the page.

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Feb 28, 2021

Hi @pkagarwal and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will see that I moved your inquiry about Trachyspermum amm (Ajwain) topical cream, also know as Bishop's weed, to a conversation about topical creams for neuropathy.
What are you currently using to relieve neuropathy pain?

windsorchris | @windsorchris | Feb 28, 2021

Has anyone tried or know of anyone who successfully acquired and compounded Pirenzepine dihydrochloride (currently under Phase 2 trials for treatment and reversal of PN) and applied with any results to PN areas?

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Feb 28, 2021

Hi @windsorchris, Thank you for your inquiry. Just for clarification, can you share with us what PN is? are you referring to pudendal neuralgia? There are many blogs and articles on this, and if this is what you are referring to, I would like to share a blog that kind of explains it.
https://pudendalnerve.com.au/2013/06/10/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-pn-or-pne/
You may also want to check out a conversation on the topic that has many members engaged on the subject.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-out-there-diagnosed-with-pudendal-neuralgia/
What are you currently doing to combat the pain?