Efficiency of 0.0125% Capsaicin gel on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Abstract

This study was a randomized controlled trial cross-over design conducted to compare the efficiency of 0.0125% capsaicin gel to vehicle gel in reducing painful diabetic neuropathy for 60 diabetics.

The sample groups were out- patients 51 female and 9 male, aged 37-83 years at Out- patient Department Ban Pong Hospithal between March and August 2007.  The patients were divided into 2 groups: in group 1 - applied 0.0125 percent topical capsaicin gel for 2 weeks then suspended for 2 weeks. After that the vehicle gel was applied for 2 weeks.

Group 2 - Applied Vehicle gel for 2 weeks then suspended for 2 weeks.  After that the capsaicin gel was applied for 2 weeks. Recorded data of pain intensity, visual analogue scale (VAS) and duration of pain relieved.  The results of this research were:  Capsaicin - treated patients reported greater reduction of VAS from 5.72 to 1.63.  Compared the reduction of VAS in vehicle gel - treated patients were 5.72 to 4.92 with statistically significant. (p < 0.001)