Post-herpetic neuralgia and topical capsaicin

Pain. 1988 Jun;33(3):333-340. doi: 10.1016/0304-3959(88)90292-8.

Abstract

Topical 0.025% capsaicin was used to treat 33 patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Thirty-nine percent of those entering the trial achieved at least a good result and 55% were improved or better. Fifty-six percent of the 23 patients completing the study had good or excellent pain relief after 4 weeks. Seventy-eight percent of the 23 noted at least some improvement in pain. Post-capsaicin burning was a common, untoward effect in most patients and in about one-third was so unbearable that the trial was terminated prematurely. This treatment appears to be a useful modality in PHN, particularly in the elderly in whom oral medications are often poorly tolerated; however, it does require supervision. A double-blind, controlled trial is now necessary.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Capsaicin / adverse effects
  • Capsaicin / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Herpes Zoster / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy
  • Neuralgia / etiology*
  • Neuralgia / physiopathology
  • Palliative Care
  • Paresthesia / chemically induced
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Sensation / drug effects

Substances

  • Capsaicin