Ways To Treat Postherpetic Neuralgia

Topical Anesthetics

Postherpetic neuralgia can also be reduced with the use of topical medications that provide an anesthetic effect. These medications, such as lidocaine, come in a variety of forms, including as a cream, gel, and patch. Compounds with a five to eight percent lidocaine concentration are generally available. Capsaicin creams can also be applied to affected areas, with good results. Generally, a .075 percent concentration is used for this purpose. Prescription topical anesthetics such as .5 or one percent ketamine cream can be helpful for some aspects of chronic pain conditions like postherpetic neuralgia. Amitriptyline creams in one or two percent concentrations are sometimes used to relieve nerve pain as well.