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All you knead
Oh, my aching fill-in-the-blank! There are so many different ways to hurt, and just as many ways to seek relief. But when RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) just isn't doing the trick, you can try something stronger -- external counterirritants.
By stimulating receptors in the skin, counterirritants create a sensation of cold and/or warmth in the affected area, increasing blood flow and helping relieve discomfort. So lay your hands on a sore spot and work in the stuff. You'll feel better soon.
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Managing Those Pesky Aches
Pain is pain, but pain relievers act differently. It appears that aspirin and other salicylates applied to the skin don't have much effect in relieving pain. Your primary methods of action against external pain are local analgesics, anesthetics, and counterirritants.
- Counterirritants can be used with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin.
Analgesics and anesthetics block pain sensation by acting directly on the pain sensors in the skin. Counterirritants create sensations of warmth or cold, overloading sensors so they temporarily block out pain.
- Topical liniments in an alcohol base penetrate more deeply into the skin than other vehicles. However, they can be more irritating to the skin.
- Gels usually deliver a sense of warmth and penetrate the skin faster than lotions. They can cause a slight burning sensation, so do not exceed recommended dosage.
- Heat increases the absorption of these liniments; be very careful in administering these topical drugs on a hot day or with the use of a heating pad.
- Bandaging injuries tightly after applying counterirritants can cause irritation and blistering because the ingredients remain in contact with the skin for a longer period of time.
- Capsaicin, a slow-acting counterirritant, is often combined with other agents to provide both slow and long-lasting relief. Capsaicin's pain-relieving effects can take from two to six weeks to occur.
- The act of massaging agents on an injury often offers some temporary pain relief. Be aware, though, that rubbing them too vigorously into the skin can cause increased action of the ingredients and a burning sensation.
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Topical anesthetics
Temporarily relieve pain, burning, itching, and discomfort by suppressing transmission of nerve impulses. Careful: these drugs may be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause toxic reactions when applied to broken skin. Take care to use these products sparingly and externally only.
Counterirritants
Reduce the perception of pain by stimulating the sensory nerve endings in the skin to produce the sensation of cooling or warming. The theory is that by producing this smaller irritation, you will be distracted from the greater pain.
| Topical Anesthetics | | Ingredient | Description | | Benzocaine | | Very safe and effective in treating pain and itch. Has fewer side effects than the other "-caine" anesthetics because it is absorbed less easily. Provides relief for four to six hours. | | Benzyl Alcohol | | Safe and effective in relieving itching and burning due to cuts and insect bites. Faster acting and shorter lasting than benzocaine. | | Dibucaine | | Fast acting; effects last up to four hours. Very potent; do not use on broken skin or large areas. | | Lidocaine | | Fast acting; effects last for several hours. Very potent; do not use on broken skin or large areas. | | Pramoxine | | Safe and effective when used on unbroken skin. | | Counterirritants | | Ingredient | Description | | Allyl Isothiocyanate (mustard plaster) | | A powerful irritant, but safe and effective. Blistering may occur in some cases. Do not use more than four times a day. | | Ammonia | | Safe and effective. Blistering may occur in some cases. Do not use more than four times a day. | | Camphor | | At concentrations of 0.1% to 3.0%, used as a topical pain reliever and anesthetic. In concentrations over 3%, induces relief of pain and discomfort by stimulating nerve endings. High doses are not recommended, as camphor is toxic. | | Capsicum Preparations | | Creates a warm feeling but does not redden skin. Requires repeated use for maximum benefit. Safe and effective. Do not use more than four times a day. | | Histamine | | Safe and effective when applied topically. Do not use more than three or four times daily. | | Menthol | | Usually combined with other ingredients with analgesic properties, like camphor. Menthol causes sensitization in some people, although the sensitization index is low. Symptoms include urticaria, erythemia, and other cutaneous lesions, like contact dermititis. | | Methyl Nicotinate | | Derived from the vitamin niacin. Safe and effective. | | Methyl Salicylate | | Widely used in counterirritants. Very effective and safe. Poisonous if taken orally. | | Turpentine Oil | | Turpentine is a potent skin irritant. Some people may experience allergic reactions. It has, however, been approved as safe and effective. | | |