I have been suffering with severe PHN for over three years. Just over a year ago, VERSATIS or lidocaine patches became available. Using these, the pain was reduced by some 60% in the area of the back. Sensitivity in the chest area however, has not been reduced and is now the main source of pain. I would advise anyone with PHN to consider trying lidocaine patches.
Lidocaine patches help me, but I use them only when I am wearling clothing that would touch the affected area. Otherwise, I use Lidocaine Creame (Anecreame). It is much better than Lidocaine Ointment, althought it isn't on the Medicaire formulary, so is very expencsive.
unfort the patch isn't available in canada. i have had various mixtures which included 10 percent lidocaine. had some relief, then only if applied every other day and now no relief as if i have become desensitized to lidocaine itself
...and lidocaine creame is available for hard to cover areas, like the scalp line. Unfortunately it isn't covered by Medicaire.