Annals of neurology
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Annals of neurology · Feb 1995
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialTopical lidocaine gel relieves postherpetic neuralgia.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) following herpes zoster is a common and disabling neuropathic pain syndrome. In a double-blind, three-session study, 5% lidocaine gel or vehicle was applied simultaneously to both the area of pain and to the contralateral mirror-image unaffected skin. In the local session, lidocaine gel was applied to the painful skin area. ⋯ Remote lidocaine application to mirror-image skin was no different from placebo. No systemic adverse effects were reported and blood levels did not exceed 0.6 microgram/ml. Topical application of 5% lidocaine gel relieves PHN pain by a direct drug action on painful skin.