Not only our mothers and fathers, but we too sometimes have a patch that we bring from the pharmacy and apply when we have a joint ache, a muscle strain, or a body ache. Today we are going to talk about this patch, which has a slightly pungent smell and sometimes feels cold and sometimes hot when applied. Since these are often used without consulting a doctor, it is very important to be aware of the proper use and risks of these.
What are these pain-relieving patches?
Simply put, this is a medicine that is applied externally to your skin to relieve minor aches and pains in muscles and joints. It mainly contains ingredients called camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate .
This works in a very strange way. When you apply this patch to the area of pain, it causes your skin to feel warm or cool. This sensation temporarily blocks the pain signals from the area of pain to the brain. In other words, it diverts your brain's attention away from the pain. Also, some of the ingredients in this reduce the swelling, or inflammation, that causes the pain.
Most importantly, this product contains a chemical called salicylate. Therefore, people who are allergic to medications like aspirin should be very careful when using these.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this patch
Although you can buy this at the pharmacy, it's safest to talk to your doctor before using this patch if you have any health conditions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions in particular.
| Situation to be concerned about | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Skin burns, scrapes, or wounds | It is not a good idea to apply this patch to areas of your skin that are injured, burned, or have broken skin. Doing so could cause too much of the medicine to be absorbed into the body and cause side effects. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic not only to the camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate in this patch, but also to other medications like aspirin, foods, or dyes, you should tell your doctor about it. |
| Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant | During pregnancy, especially in the last three months, using medications containing salicylates like these can affect the baby. Therefore, do not use them without consulting a doctor. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | It is not yet clear whether these medications pass to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, it is best to be safe and not use these without the advice of a doctor. |
How exactly do you use this?
It is very important to know how to use this patch correctly to get the most out of it and minimize side effects.
1. Clean the skin: Before applying the patch, wash the painful area thoroughly with soap and let it dry. Do not apply any oil or cream to the area.
2. Read the instructions on the package: Always read the instructions on the package.
3. Do not cut the patch: Do not cut or alter the patch unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.
4. Apply correctly: Remove the protective film from the patch and apply it exactly to the painful area.
5. Wash your hands: After applying the patch, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. This is because if the medicine gets on your hands and gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth, it can cause irritation.
6. Remove the patch at the right time: Usually, this patch is supposed to stay on for about 8 hours. When that time is up, remove the old patch. If you are applying a new one, be sure to remove the old one first.
If you use it for small children...
This patch is generally recommended for children over 12 years of age. If you want to use it on a child younger than that, you should definitely consult a pediatrician .
Attention: If you think you have overdosed on this medicine, or if a small child has swallowed it, do not waste time and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. If necessary, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be careful about when using the patch
- If your pain does not improve after 7 days of use , or if it seems to be getting worse, stop using the patch and see your doctor. There may be another cause for your pain.
- Do not use this patch on the same area as other skin products (creams, lotions). Ask your doctor if you want to do so.
- This patch feels hot when applied, so do not place anything like a hot water bag on it. Doing so may burn the skin.
Very important warning! If you have black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds while using this patch, this could be a sign of bleeding from a stomach or intestinal ulcer. If this happens, seek medical advice immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this patch can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some are mild.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Serious Allergic Reactions | If you experience any symptoms such as severe skin rash, unbearable itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing, remove the patch and go to a hospital immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist: | |
| Minor skin changes | Slight redness, slight itching or burning, and dry skin where the patch was applied. These usually go away after the patch is removed. However, if they persist, tell your doctor. |
How do you keep the medicine patch safe?
- Keep away from children and pets. Animals may like the smell of these, so keep them out of their reach.
- Store at room temperature. Typically between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, protected from moisture.
- Do not use an expired patch. The expiration date is mentioned on the packet.
- Disposing of leftover patches: If you have unused, expired patches, you should dispose of them in a way that is out of reach of children. The best way is to remove them from the container, mix them with something like coffee grounds, soil, or used tea leaves, put them in a sealed bag, and throw them in the trash.
This is a medicine given to you only. Do not give this to someone else who is also in pain, even if it has helped you. This may not be compatible with other illnesses that person has.
Take-Home Message
- This pain relief patch should only be used externally. Never put it in your mouth or inject it internally.
- Do not apply these to areas with skin wounds, scratches, eczema, or rashes.
- Before applying a new patch, be sure to remove the old patch.
- If the pain persists for more than 7 days or if the pain worsens, stop using these and see a doctor.
- If you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, difficulty breathing) or signs of stomach bleeding (black stools), seek medical advice immediately.
- Always keep these medications safely out of the reach of small children and pets.
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