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Creams, lotions and gels

The never-ending quest for over-the-counter market share led to the development the one of the newest additions to menthol-based treatments - Medistik. One of its gimmicks is that it is applied using a deodorant-style stick.


Published on Sep 01, 2007

When muscles and joints are aching many people, reluctant to pop another pill, turn to topical aids for relief. These come in several forms including creams, lotions, or gels.

Following are the basics of how some of these products work:

  • Applications that make skin feel hot or cold -- these are called counterirritants because they contain ingredients that irritate the skin. Ingredients such as menthol, oil of wintergreen or eucalyptus oil produce a sensation of hot or cold that distracts you from the pain and increasing blood flow to the affect area, giving temporary relief. Examples include Flexall 454, Icy Hot and JointFlex.

  • Aspirin-like pain rubs -- these products, called topical analgesics, contain salicylates, the same ingredients that give Aspirin its pain-relieving quality. They also reduce joint inflammation as they're absorbed into the skin. Examples include BenGay, Aspercreme, Mobisyl and Sportscreme. People allergic to Aspirin or who take blood thinners should be wary of these products containing salicylates and consult a doctor before using them.

  • Creams made from chili pepper seeds -- the seeds contain a compound called capsaicin that causes the burning sensation associated with the peppers. Creams made with capsaicin are most effective for pain in the joints, such as arthritis pain, and pain close to the skin surface such as in the fingers, knees and elbows. Capsaicin creams work by depleting the nerve cells of a chemical called substance P, which is important for sending pain messages. They may need to be applied regularly for a couple of weeks for arthritis relief. Examples include ArthriCare, Capzasin and Zostrix.

    -- adapted from MayoClinic.com

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