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.

@ch47

Great thought…waiting for my cream, but how could it hurt to take the magnesium?
What dose do you take and how often per day?
Thank you!

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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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@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’m always looking for something to help move things along, even though I eat very well. Will check my eye/multi vitamins and see what magnesium it has and go from there. You “guys” are the best…we will all be so much better because of this site…

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@ch47

Good evening!
To all of you who have been following my little bit, as compared to so many of you that have many more issues than me-
Had my ablation this afternoon, and procedure went as I expected…nothing horrible! Couple unpleasant times but they made me aware before it happened.
Treated arthritis 6 places in lower spine.
I was anxious about procedure because only lidocaine for pain block, not anesthesia. First place I was thinking of using put you out. As doctor-communicated your feeling/reaction through entire process, not sure how it would work if you were out and they couldn’t ask how things were feeling as it went on.
Anyway, looking forward to feeling better!
Also, he felt that this would/could solve my pelvic issues…what a great thing to hear!
Will keep in touch, and thank you for all your advice and support!

❤️❤️❤️

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@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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I also use the Life Flo magnesium lotion. Apply it every night before tucking my feet in bed. No odor, not sticky or greasy.

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I found Frankincense oil At Walgreens in foot dept. of the pharmacy. Just a few drops to calm the burning or whatever you have going on in your feet. It helps a little. So you can get to sleep. Plus wearing socks at night. Not compression socks.

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@skeleton

Best thing I have ever used is Life-Flo magnesium thick lotion. It was recommended by a wonderful person on this website. I order it from Amazon. It only takes a very small amount and you rub it in good. I even put it on the bottom of my feet. Only pain reliever that lets me sleep. Good luck.💙🤗

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I looked on Amazon and there seems to be several different kinds of life Flo magnesium lotion. Which one do you use?

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@danmardy44

I found Frankincense oil At Walgreens in foot dept. of the pharmacy. Just a few drops to calm the burning or whatever you have going on in your feet. It helps a little. So you can get to sleep. Plus wearing socks at night. Not compression socks.

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Similarly, I used peppermint oil at night when my pain was at its worst, also with socks and made sure to use a good moisturizer.

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@jgmmsw

I looked on Amazon and there seems to be several different kinds of life Flo magnesium lotion. Which one do you use?

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Life-flo Magnesium lotion
Highly Concentrated 8fl oz $9.99 on Amazon. Effective for relief and relaxation. First one shown. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. My husband is battling bone marrow cancer and life is up and down. Hope this helps.

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@skeleton

Life-flo Magnesium lotion
Highly Concentrated 8fl oz $9.99 on Amazon. Effective for relief and relaxation. First one shown. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. My husband is battling bone marrow cancer and life is up and down. Hope this helps.

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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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@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 so much. It is One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus. I am so very thankful to John Bishop for telling me about this.🤗🤗

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