OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to examine the effect of 8% capsaicin patch on change in ”usual pain” using a PNRS (Pain Numeric Rating Scale) from baseline to end of treatment. A secondary objective was to examine utility scores assessed by the EQ-5D. METHODS: Adult patients (n=211) diagnosed with peripheral neuropathic pain (excluding diabetes polyneuropathy) were included. The following parameters were investigated over a 12 week follow up period after a single application: - Pain Numeric Rating Scale (PNRS, 0-10) to assess average pain intensity over the last 24 hours, i.e., “usual pain” - EQ-5D - Size of treated area  RESULTS: A total of 196 patients completed the study, 66% women and 34% men.  Mean age was 54.2 years (range 18-87). At baseline, the “usual pain” intensity was 6.3 (SD 1.8). The mean change of PNRS from baseline to 14 - 90 days post treatment  (average pain reduction) was -0.90 (SD 2.08), p <0.001.  Maximum mean reduction of “usual pain” at any time point was -1.77 (SD 2.36), p <0.001.  Mean EQ-5D health score was 0.29 (SD 0.31) at baseline (range -0.38-1.00). During the post-treatment period the change was 0.26 (SD 0.30), p <0.001. At baseline, 66% of all patients reported “Extreme Problem” in the pain/discomfort dimension and corresponding figures for the post-treatment period was 43%.  Median area treated was estimated to 179 cm2(range 3-1120) corresponding to 1.3 patches used per patient per treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this population of patients with peripheral neuropathic pain and a markedly reduced QoL, a single treatment of capsaicin 8% significantly reduced patients’ experience of “usual pain” and improved short-term QoL evaluated by EQ-5D.