[Lidocaine tape (Penles--a dressing tape based on 60% lidocaine--) reduces the pain of postherpetic neuralgia].

The treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) by topical administration of local anesthetics has a number of drawbacks. Lidocaine tape (Penles) is a 15 cm2 dressing tape based on 60% lidocaine used to anesthetize skin when an intravenous catheter is inserted. This study aims to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of lidocaine tape in patients with PHN by comparing the results with those of surgical drape (Tegaderm). In a single-blind, two session study, lidocaine tape or surgical drape was applied to the affected skin of 10 patients. In one session, lidocaine tape was applied to the painful skin area, and in another, surgical drape was applied to the same area. Pain score and side effects were measured over 12 hours. Pain score was reduced at measurements taken starting from 1 hour after lidocaine tape application (P < 0.05). Lidocaine tape induced minor side-effects, erythema in a patient and increase in pain in another patient. In conclusion, lidocaine tape is effective for relief of PHN.