What Are Topical Analgesics and How Do They Work?
A topical analgesic is a medicine that’s applied to the skin to relieve pain in your muscles and joints alike. Unlike other pain relievers like acetaminophen, they should not be taken by mouth (orally).
Some topical analgesics relieve pain by working to reduce inflammation, while others change how you process pain.
1 Common ingredients in topical analgesics include:
*Lidocaine
*Capsaicin
*Menthol
*Camphor
*Diclofenac
*Methyl salicylate
You can find these ingredients in different dosage forms such as creams, ointments, gels, or patches.
Potential Benefits of Topical Analgesics for Pain Relief
There are several advantages to applying your pain relief medication directly to the affected area
1. Targeted Pain Relief
Get rapid pain relief where you need it by applying it directly where it hurts. When a topical analgesic is applied to the affected area, it provides targeted pain relief.
2. Easy-To-Use
Simply apply the cream for pain relief where it’s needed and wait. With a topical pain reliever, you don’t need any water to swallow pills. Topical pain relievers are convenient to have on hand whenever pain hits.
3. Favorable Safety Profile When Used As Directed
While topical analgesics can cause side effects, they often can be milder than the potential side effects of many oral pain relievers. The most common side effect for most topical analgesics is irritation in the place it was applied.1 Always read and follow the product label and talk to your doctor if you have any questions about the use of a topical pain reliever.
4. Relief Across Multiple Pain Types
Topical analgesics can treat several types of pain.1 Topical analgesics can help relieve:
Back pain
Muscle pain
Neck and shoulder pain
Joint pain
Knee pain
Wrist pain
Elbow pain
Arthritis pain
Strains and Sprains
