When most of us experience back, neck, or knee pain, or when we pull a muscle while playing sports, we immediately think of applying a pain-relieving plaster from the pharmacy. Brands like Salonpas are very popular. We use these almost all the time because they provide temporary, quick relief. But there are a few things we should definitely be careful of when using such a plaster. Let's talk about this today.
What are these pain patches?
Simply put, these are a type of plaster that is designed to be applied to the skin and contains painkillers. They mainly contain two chemical compounds called Menthol and Methyl Salicylate .
Imagine that you have a sore spot on your hand. What happens when you squeeze that spot? You start to feel the pain of squeezing more than the pain itself. The menthol in this patch does something similar. It gives the skin a cool or warm sensation. Then the pain signal to our brain is blocked, and we start to feel that cool/warm sensation. We call this a 'counter-irritant effect'.
The other compound, methyl salicylate, is a member of a class of drugs called salicylates. You may have heard of aspirin, which is also a type of salicylate. These work by reducing inflammation at the site of pain. So, the combination of the two will give you quick relief.
You should definitely tell your doctor about these things before using them!
Although these can be purchased at the pharmacy, they are not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using this plaster.
| Your health condition | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or recent bypass surgery (CABG) | Some painkillers can affect blood pressure and heart function, so medical advice is essential. |
| Kidney disease | Drugs absorbed through the skin are eliminated by the kidneys. If the kidneys are weak, the drugs can accumulate in the body and cause side effects. |
| A history of stomach ulcers or intestinal bleeding | Methyl salicylate is a relative of aspirin. These can increase stomach ulcers or cause bleeding. |
| Allergies to aspirin or other painkillers | If you are allergic to other types of salicylates, you are more likely to be allergic to this one as well. |
| Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is very important to seek medical advice before using any medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
| Areas with burns, wounds, or large skin lesions | Broken skin absorbs more medication into the body, increasing the risk of side effects. |
How exactly do you use this plaster?
To get the right results, you need to use this correctly.
- Clean your skin: Before applying the plaster, wash and dry the area thoroughly. If you apply it to an area that is oily or sweaty, it will not stick properly.
- For external use only: This is for use on the skin only . It should never be taken orally or ingested in any other way.
- Do not cut: Do not cut or modify the plaster. Use it as it was made.
- Apply it properly: Remove the protective film and apply it exactly to the painful area. Be sure to wash your hands with soap after applying it.
- Time is important: Usually, the recommended time to leave a plaster on is between 8 and 12 hours. Read the instructions on the package. After that time, remove the old one.
- If you are applying a new one: After removing one plaster, wait a while before applying another one to the same area. Do not use the same plaster continuously.
- Do not apply to wounds: Do not apply these to areas with cuts, scrapes, eczema, or other skin conditions.
Most importantly: If the pain doesn't go away after 3 days of use, or if it gets worse, definitely see a doctor. This means that the cause of your pain may not be something that can be cured with something as simple as this.
What are the possible side effects?
Although most people do not experience serious side effects, it is good to be aware of the things that can sometimes occur.
| Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of stomach bleeding | Black tarry stools and vomit that looks like coffee grounds are very dangerous symptoms. |
| Symptoms that are usually nothing to worry about (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Minor skin changes | Slight redness, dryness, or slight inflammation of the skin where the plaster was applied. |
What if you accidentally use too much? (Overdose)
If someone accidentally eats these, or if too many plasters are applied at once, it can be dangerous. If this happens, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Additionally, you can call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Their telephone number is 0112686143. They will provide you with the necessary guidance. Don't forget to take the packet of plaster with you when you go to the hospital.
How should I store the medicine? How should I dispose of it?
- Storage: Store these at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Always keep them away from small children and pets. Sometimes small children may put these in their mouths.
- Disposal: Fold the used plaster in half, sticky side inward, and throw it in the trash. Before throwing away an expired or unused plaster, check the package instructions. It is usually safe to throw it in the trash. If you do, it is best to mix the plaster with something like coffee grounds or soil, put it in a bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- These pain-relieving plasters should only be used for minor muscle and joint pain .
- Never apply these to areas with cuts, scrapes, wounds, or skin conditions such as eczema .
- If you have other medical conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or if you are pregnant, avoid using these without consulting a doctor.
- If you notice signs of allergy (skin rash, itching, swelling) or signs of suspected stomach bleeding (black stools), remove the plaster immediately and see a doctor.
- Keep these safely out of the reach of small children and pets.
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