title: Topical Treatments for Localized Neuropathic Pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Topical therapeutic approaches in localized neuropathic pain (LNP) syndromes are increasingly used by both specialists and general practitioners, with a potentially promising effect on pain reduction. In this narrative review, we describe the available compounds for topical use in LNP syndromes and address their potential efficacy according to the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Local anaesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, bupivacaine and mepivacaine), as well as general anaesthetic agents (e.g., ketamine), muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen), capsaicin, anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., diclofenac), salicylates, antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline and doxepin), α2 adrenergic agents (e.g., clonidine), or even a combination of them have been tested in various applications for the treatment of LNP. Few of them have reached a sufficient level of evidence to support systematic use as treatment options. Relatively few systemic side effects or drug-drug interactions and satisfactory efficacy seem to be the benefits of topical treatments. More well-organized and tailored studies are necessary for the further conceptualization of topical treatments for LNP.
authors.affiliation: Department of High Technology Rehabilitation & Pain Rehabilitation Unit, Habilita Care and Research Hospitals, Via Bologna 1-24040, Zingonia di Ciserano (BG), Italy. robertocasale@habilita.it.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Casale
authors.affiliation: Department of High Technology Rehabilitation & Pain Rehabilitation Unit, Habilita Care and Research Hospitals, Via Bologna 1-24040, Zingonia di Ciserano (BG), Italy.|Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, General Hospital of Attica "KAT", Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Symeonidou
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation Unit, Habilita, Zingonia di Ciserano (BG), Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bartolo
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000779:Anesthetics, Local
keywords: Localized neuropathic pain; Topical amitriptyline; Topical baclofen; Topical clonidine; Topical ketamine; Topical lidocaine