In our daily lives, minor accidents, falls, sprains , and muscle strains are common. Or joint pain that comes with age. At times like these, many of us are used to buying a pain-relieving cream, gel, or balm from the pharmacy. We use these often because they provide quick relief. But are we really aware of these medications? Today, let's talk about the creams that many people use that contain Camphor, Menthol, and Methyl Salicylate.
How do these creams actually work?
Simply put, this medicine changes the way your skin feels where it hurts. When you apply this cream, sometimes it feels hot, sometimes it feels cold, right? That feeling blocks the pain signals going to your brain. It's like tricking your brain a little. When you start feeling hot or cold instead of pain, we forget about the pain.
Additionally, the ingredient in this cream is methyl salicylate , which is related to the painkillers we take like aspirin. It is called a salicylate . This is why this cream not only reduces pain, but also helps reduce swelling.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Although this is a skin-friendly product, people with certain health conditions should be careful when using it. Before you use this product, talk to your doctor about these things.
| If you have these conditions... | Why is it important to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Stomach ulcers or bleeding | Salicylates can sometimes increase bleeding, which can worsen an existing wound. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or having had heart bypass surgery (CABG) | Because some painkillers can affect heart conditions, it is very important to seek medical advice. |
| Kidney disease | Medicines absorbed into the body through the skin are filtered through the kidneys, so caution should be taken if you have weak kidneys. |
| Burned or injured skin surface | There is a risk of excessive absorption of medication through broken skin, so only apply to healthy, unbroken skin. |
| Being pregnant or expecting a baby | It is imperative to seek medical advice before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | Some medications can pass to the baby through breast milk, so it's best to ask your doctor. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or ingredients in this cream | If you have allergies, there is a possibility that you may also experience an allergic reaction to this cream. |
How exactly do you use this?
The most important thing is that this medicine is for topical use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine for a sore hand, wash your hands only before applying it.
- Be careful with your eyes: Do not let this medicine get in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water for several minutes.
- Apply as a thin film: There is no need to apply a thick layer to the painful area. Just apply a thin film.
- Do not apply to wounds: Do not apply this cream to cuts, scrapes, or burns.
- If giving to children: Although these are sometimes recommended for children over 3 years of age, be sure to ask a doctor before using them on young children.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you or a small child in your home accidentally uses too much of this or puts it in their mouth, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
What side effects can be expected?
Most of the time, there are no serious side effects, but it's good to be aware of some things.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | If you experience symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or difficulty breathing, stop using the medicine and see a doctor immediately. |
| Symptoms of stomach bleeding | Black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. This is a serious condition and should be reported to a hospital immediately. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Minor skin problems | The skin may become red, slightly dry, or slightly inflamed where the medicine was applied. These usually go away after a while. If they persist, tell your doctor. |
Other things to consider
- If your pain does not subside after about a week of using this medicine, or if the pain worsens, be sure to see a doctor. There may be another cause for the pain.
- Do not apply any other skin medication or ointment to the area where you apply this cream without medical advice.
How do I store and dispose of this medicine?
- Store at room temperature, out of reach of children and pets . Keep tightly closed.
- Check the expiration date and do not use if it has expired.
- If you're going to dispose of it, take the rest of the tube out, mix it with something like used tea leaves and some soil, put it in a small bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash. That way, no one will use it by mistake.
Take-Home Message
- These types of creams and gels are for application to the skin only. Never take them by mouth.
- Do not apply these to cut, scratched, burned, or otherwise damaged skin.
- If you have other medical conditions (especially stomach ulcers, heart disease) or are pregnant, inform your doctor before using these.
- If you experience allergic symptoms such as skin rash, swelling, or serious symptoms such as tarry stools, seek medical advice immediately.
- If the pain does not subside after 7 days of use, do not continue to self-medicate and consult your doctor for proper advice.
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