Peripheral Neuropathy-Zostrix

    
      Re: Peripheral Neuropathy-Zostrix
    


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Posted by ccf neuro M.D. on April 14, 1997 at 23:16:42:

In Reply to: Peripheral Neuropathy-Zostrix posted by Jack C. Henry, Sr. on April 09, 1997 at 18:19:33:

: I have been using Zostrix for my peripheral neuropathy.
  My PN is in my feet.
  I am experiencing a terrible problem with itching.
  Have other users of Zostrix experienced this problem.
  What explains the itch and what I can do to eliminate it?
  Thanks in advance for your help.
  Jack Henry
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Zostrix, or capsacian cream, is a substance which causes the small nerve endings being afflicted by the neuropathy to suddenly release all of their "substance P", a nerve transmitter chemical responsible for generating pain signals. This is why the cream burns when you first put it on, but then after a while it stops and you have LESS pain, since no more substance P is left for the nerve endings to release. The nerve fibers eventually slowly replenish the lost substance P after the cream wears off, which takes a few hours and is why you must usually use the cream 3-4 times a day to get significant relief. Itching is the sensation produced by the smallest possible amount of irritation or discharge of the pain-generating nerve endings. Sometimes it is connected to the release of a different chemical called histamine, and often antihistamine medications such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Chlor-Trimeton (chlorphenaramine), which are both common over-the counter medicines, or Claritin or Hisminol (prescription, less sedating, longer acting versions of same class of medications MIGHT help you. Alternatively, you may wish to try the TRIPLE STRENGTH version of Zostrix, Zostrix HP (or something like that), which may more completely and effectively deplete the small nerve endings of all their substance P and not leave a small amount behind that might be causing the itching. Numerous medications that are pills also exist, all prescriptions, that over time diminish the pain of peripheral neuropathy. You should be aware that evntually, the same small nerve endings generating the pain that currently plagues you and most neuropathy patients, will eventually die off and leave you with NUMBNESS in place of the pain, which is much more tolerable to most people. Unfortunately, the conversion from pain to numbness may take several years.