Topical capsaicin for the management of painful diabetic neuropathy: a narrative systematic review.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the potential benefit of topical capsaicin formulations. Materials& methods: A narrative systematic review was employed. Results: About8% Capsaicin patches were found to significantly reduce symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Capsaicin was found to improve sleep quality (p=0.02). Capsaicin patch exposure for 60minshowed significant reduction in symptoms (-32.8%). Capsaicin cream significantly reduced pain at weeks 2 and 6 (p=0.003 andp=0.03, respectively), but not at week 8 in comparative studies. 0.025% Capsaicin gel had an insignificant reduction in pain compared with placebo (p=0.53), however 0.075% was found to be significant (p=0.038). Capsaicin cream did not have superior improvement of pain as compared with clonidine gel (p=0.931). The most common adverse events included application site discomfort, erythemaand burning. Conclusion: Topical capsaicin treatments are a potentially beneficial peripherally acting medication. Further research is needed to determine the best means of ameliorating the side effects of treatments.