Topical Analgesics
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exactly is a topical analgesic?
When applied directly to the skin, a topical analgesic effectively treats pain in the joints, muscles, and nerves. It is available in several forms: topical analgesic cream, powder, gel, lotion, patches, or aerosol form. The over-the-counter version of topical analgesics is in the same drug class as aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This medication comes in many types, each using a unique action to relieve pain for different conditions. Some topical analgesic types require a healthcare provider’s prescription.
What are the differences between pain-relieving gels, ointments, and creams?
The main difference between topical analgesic products like pain relief creams and pain relief ointments is their chemical and ingredient makeup. For example, the separating factor between topical cream and ointments is the ratio of water and oil. The more water the topical analgesic product has, the more absorbent it becomes. Therefore, since creams are of equal parts oil and water, they are much better for penetrating your skin than ointments containing 80% oil. However, the thicker ointment is better at spreading across your skin.
On the other hand, pain-relieving gels have no oil at all, only cellulose, alcohol, and water. Their oil-free nature provides the highest level of hydration and absorption while leaving your skin free of residue and oil. For these reasons, gels are more beneficial for oily or dry skin. The difference between these products provides the users with several options for topical pain relief.
Do topical analgesics work to reduce pain?
Although primarily ineffective as the sole remedy for long-term pain, topical analgesic products like Biofreeze and CBD Clinic provide temporary relief with few side effects. However, NSAIDs and counterirritants can blend with other medications to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain. Also, you can try products like Biotone’s Lab Blend CBD for maximum pain relief or consult your healthcare provider to select the best topical analgesic for you.
What are the active ingredients in topical analgesic products?
The designed purpose of all topical analgesics is to relieve pain. However, each product type has different ingredients for various purposes. Counterirritants, salicylates, prescription NSAIDs, capsaicin, and lidocaine are the most common ingredients. For a soothing effect, counterirritants contain ingredients like camphor and menthol. And salicylates have pain-relieving agents. Although the topical varieties of prescription NSAIDs have fewer side effects, you should not take them with oral NSAIDs.
One of the most potent ingredients in topical analgesics is capsaicin, composed primarily of hot chili peppers. It is particularly effective for diabetic nerve pain and joint pain. When you need a numbing effect, lidocaine works well in gel or patch form directly on the painful area. But you should consult with your doctor before using lidocaine if you have liver ailments or taking heart rhythm drugs.
What is the strongest pain relief cream?
Topical analgesic creams with the highest concentration of capsaicin are the strongest pain relief creams. You can buy creams with capsaicin with concentrations of 0.025%, 0.075%, and 0.1%. Characterized by its warm or tingling feeling, capsaicin relieves minor pains from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic nerve pain, joint pain, and muscle strains. For example, capsaicin is more effective and tolerable than lidocaine in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain. The burning sensation may be uncomfortable at first. But it gets better over time.
Are CBD topical analgesics better than ordinary analgesic creams and ointments?
Cannabidiol (CBD) based topical analgesic products like CBD Clinic and Lab Blends CBD by Biotone is a very popular ingredient in topical analgesic creams and ointments for pain relief. However, human studies have provided limited evidence to verify its pain-relieving benefits. This situation is partly due to limited use by state laws and research restrictions on the root plant, cannabis. Although most of the studies revealed that CBC might reduce pain, the overriding conclusion is that more research is necessary for a more concrete conclusion. As the legalization of cannabis grows, more extensive research should yield more conclusive results.