title: Post-herpetic neuralgia and topical capsaicin.
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.
authors: Smythe Pain Clinic, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. M5G 2C4 Canada.
authors: Peter N C
authors: PNC
authors: Watson
authors: Ramon J
authors: RJ
authors: Evans
authors: Verna R
authors: VR
authors: Watt
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010166:Palliative Care; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000139:chemically induced; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D002211:Capsaicin