Benefits and Side Effects of Pain Relief Creams

Pain is a great part of everyday living and even though some suffer more than others do, pain is never a comfortable thing to deal with. When you have chronic pain, you can try alternating between icy cold and hot water in the shower so as to confuse the nerves. However, some pain does not just disappear and this is where people start seeking medications to deal with it. Pain relief creams are top of the list when it comes to relieving pain. There are benefits and side effects of pain relief creams that you should be aware of before you choose to use them.
The topical pain relief creams have been in use for a long time. While there are some that need a prescription, others can be bought over the counter. The creams are a great option if you do not want to take oral medications or if you have a hard time taking pills. The creams are usually absorbed must faster than the pills and they are able to offer localized relief. The ease of using such creams makes them ideal for many people dealing with different types of pain.

Categories

The pain relief creams usually make use of different types of active ingredients to reduce and block pain signals. The formulation for every product varies, but we can place them into different categories such as:

• Counter-irritants

These are so-called due to the coiling or burning sensation they cause on the skin. This ends up distracting pain. The main ingredients in such creams are camphor, evergreen oil, eucalyptus oil, and even menthol. Even though such creams offer you immediate effect, they may not last long.

• Salicylates

These have the ingredients and qualities found in aspirin. They are very great for joints that are close to the skin such as those in the feet, elbows, knees, and fingers. They work by simply blocking nerve transmissions. They reduce inflammation, therefore reducing stiffness, swelling, and pain. They can also be referred to as topical analgesics or topical NSAIDs.

• Capsaicin’s

These are made from the seeds of chili pepper and are great for diabetic nerve and joint pain. It is warm and gives that tingling sensation which seems to improve with the passage of time. If you pick a cream that has this ingredient, you may have to apply severally before relief is experienced. This means they do not offer any quick fix.

• Cannabis infused creams

These are infused with CBD extracted from marijuana. They are still new in the market. CBD is great in reducing pain, especially when ingested. However, it can still be applied on the skin and that is the science behind the creams.

• Homeopathic creams

These contain substances that are said to be effective medicinally speaking. They have many active ingredients. In most cases, these creams are herbal and they are a good choice for inflammation.

The benefits

The benefits of using creams include:1. They work locallyApplying a cream turns off the nerves in the area of application. It is healthy for the body, especially when you are dealing with chronic pain. This means that you only deactivate the nerves in a particular area instead of the whole body.2. They give the body time to healThe cream is applied to a specific area, but the body is still working to heal that particular area. Using oral medications may not allow the body to know that there is a problem.3. Massaging is good for painCreams have to be rubbed and this very action helps to minimize the inflammation and helps to relieve pain. Touch releases tension and it relaxes the muscles to ease any physical stress. Massaging also seals the pain gates by keeping the nerve fibers stimulated. The pain is therefore replaced by the good sensation.4. Reduced side effectsApart from the more common skin sensitivities, the potential side effects are not as many as those of oral medications. Using the creams well may mean that you do not have to deal with serious side effects.5. Easy to useRubbing the cream is not hard, especially when you are sure of where the pain is originating. By following the instructions given on the leaflet or by your physician, you should be safe.

The side effects of pain relief creams

As with every other medication, there are some side effects that you may experience when using pain-relieving creams. They include:

• Burning sensation
• Strong odors depending on the ingredients used
• Skin irritation
• Medicine interactions: this happens when you are using other types of medicines. In such a case, you should talk to a doctor before you use any cream.
• Stinging on the skin
• Dry skin

Rare side effects

There are some side effects that are a bit rare, but when they present themselves, they tend to be very severe. Such side effects include:

• Skin ulcer
• Puffy face usually because of water retention
• An allergic reaction that can be life-threatening
• A hypersensitivity to the drugs
• Hives
• Accumulation of fluids in the eye region
• Throat tightness
• Feeling faint
• Burns
• Labored breathing
• Swelling in the throat

Are they effective?

This question cannot be answered with a straight yes or no answer. All we can say is that it depends. There are some conditions where the creams can be quite effective. They work well in conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, muscle pain, gout, and arthritis. These conditions tend to respond quite well with such pain relievers. The best arthritis cream can make a great difference.Generally, the creams are great in relieving pain consistently. When the pain source happens to be near the surface, application of the cream can ease the pain. As such, you will not have to deal with the kind of side effects that oral medications can cause. The creams are not the best choice when an extended area is affected such as many body parts or the lower back.The counter-irritant options are popular in athletics since they keep your mind off the pain you are experiencing. They allow one to continue with activities.The capsaicin option gives results after they are used repeatedly so they are not a good choice for anyone who needs a quick fix. According to research, some creams give pain relief just like oral medications, for certain types of pains while they may not be effective for others.

Warnings

If you are planning to use the pain relief creams, there are some things you should never do. You should always take time to read the insert package and then follow all the directions laid out carefully. If there is such a leaflet, ensure that you save it since you may need to reread it later.

• It is important not to apply the cream on skin that has been damaged or on wounds
• You should never use them with a heating pad due to the possibility of burns occurring
• They should not be used under bandages, especially when such bandages are tight
• Ensure that you wash the hands thoroughly after you use the cream and do not touch your genitals or eyes when the product is still on your hands.
• If you are using blood thinners or you have an aspirin allergy, talk to a doctor first especially when the cream has salicylates.

It is also important to note that the FDA has already advised that many injuries are often reported when the OTC creams are administered. Chemical burns with different degrees of severity have been reported. There are some cases where hospitalization may be necessary. It is, therefore, very important to follow all instructions.
First published here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/nancyleeslh/benefits-and-side-effects-of-pain-relief-creams-3n90n