Topical Neuropathy Cream Helps Ease the Pain

For those suffering the relentless pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, topical creams, oils, and ointments can certainly provide a welcome relief. Neuropathy cream directly treats the prickly, tingly, burning sensations associated with nerve damage, providing temporary respite from the suffering.

Active Ingredients

The formulations used in neuropathic creams often include a combination of natural oils– such as aloe vera, menthol, camphor, wintergreen, eucalyptus, pine needle, safflower, etc.

Capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers, is commonly used as well. Capsaicin is a natural analgesic or painkiller.

Vitamins, especially B vitamins, are often included, too. Vitamin B deficiency is a known cause of neuropathic symptoms.

These compounds soothe and numb the skin and mitigate the prickly, burning sensations.

Benefits of neuropathy cream

• Available over-the-counter, no prescription necessary.
• Applied topically, directly where the pain is. If your feet hurt, you apply it directly to your feet. Different from oral medication which can not be targeted to specific areas of the body.
• Pain relief comes quickly, in a few minutes, and lasts from 2 to 24 hours. Multiple applications might be necessary depending on severity of symptoms.
• Can easily carry and use when needed.

Limitations

• Suitable for mild to moderate pain. Severe neuropathic pain may not respond to topical creams (not powerful enough). If your symptoms are not reduced by neuropathy cream, talk to your doctor about prescription strength pain relief, such as gabapentin. Neuropathy cream may be used in conjunction with oral medication (no contraindications).
• Only treats the symptoms / pain. Does nothing to treat the underlying cause of the neuropathy, whether that be diabetes or alcoholism.
• Some creams have strong odor due to the natural oils. This varies, of course, by product. But it is common for the creams to smell of mint, menthol, lemon, etc.  Not a negative for everyone, but some people are sensitive to smells.

Is neuropathy cream effective?

Many people experience great pain relief with these products. Definitely worth trying. Penetrex is the most popular brand, but there are many others.

It is important to note, however, that these creams merely mask the symptoms. Pain relief obviously is important and greatly increases quality of life. But it is important that you determine what is causing the nerve damage and make necessary lifestyle changes to give your nerves a chance to heal. Chart a course to improve your condition.

If you have diabetes, get it under control. If long term alcoholism has caused your nerve damage, quit drinking. Clean up your diet. Exercise. This will help your nerves regenerate and provide permanent relief and symptom remission.

It is possible to reverse neuropathy and permanently rid yourself of the debilitating pain. I did it, and so have many others.

Be patient. It may take months to see any noticeable improvement. Be vigilant and never lose hope no matter how dark it seems. Almost everyone sees improvement in symptoms over time.

Have you used topical creams to treat neuropathy? If so, what has been your experience and what advice can you give to my readers. Any brands you highly recommend? Please let us know in the comments below. Thanks.