When nerves in your body get damaged, you may experience chronic pain, numbness, and/or tingling. This is called neuropathy and is a common problem in people with diabetes. You might be able to treat your symptoms with certain over-the-counter and/or doctor-prescribed peripheral neuropathy cream.

Some medicines, such as anti-seizure drugs (gabapentin, Neurontin, Horizant), can improve the type of pain associated with nerve damage. These drugs interfere with chemical processes in your brain and spinal cord that cause you to feel pain. Lidocaine cream that you can apply to your skin might also help. This is an analgesic and can relieve the burning pain of peripheral neuropathy, but it will not cure the condition that causes your pain.

Finding Relief: Exploring Peripheral Neuropathy Creams

A new cream that stimulates nerve growth might eventually help treat your nerve pain. Researchers developed a small molecule compound that when applied to the skin of mice with diabetic neuropathy increased the diameter of nerve fibers and helped the animals regain sensitivity. They are now working on a larger compound that might stimulate nerve growth in humans.

Acupuncture might lower your neuropathy symptoms, but it will take multiple sessions to see a benefit. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body to block pain signals. Several dietary changes might help, too. For example, eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein might improve your condition if you have diabetes. Regular exercise can lower your blood sugar levels and might ease some types of nerve pain, too. Gentle routines such as tai chi and yoga might work best.