Topical Pain Relievers:
No Appointment Necessary

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, April 9 and July 9, 2005
Show 211

Dr. Lisa Thornton:

Topical pain relievers can help reduce pain from sore muscles and arthritis. They're generally safe even with long-term use. Here's more on that with Walgreens Pharmacist Mark Percifield.

Mark Percifield, PharmD, RPh:

Topical pain medications are creams, ointments or gels that you apply to your skin. Some work deep under the skin to relieve pain from the nerves and tissues. While others work on the surface of the skin to reduce redness and swelling. There are many types of over the counter pain relieving ointments or creams. Numbing agents are an over the counter product that are used to treat specific types of pain. Examples of these numbing agents are lanacane, benzocaine and premoxian, which are used to treat specific types of pain like teething, sunburn or hemorrhoids. They're also available over the counter hydro-cortisone cream or ointments. These products are used to treat redness, itching, swelling or pain associated with various skin disorders. Capsaicin is another available over the counter pain relieving ointment that is used to treat arthritic conditions of the joints like the fingers, knees and elbows. This product may need to be applied for several weeks to notice its maximum affect. For your mild muscle aches and pains, you may want to try an over the counter product that contains wintergreen oil or methanol like you would find in Ben Gay or Icy Hot. These products are for temporary pain relief and must be applied frequently. However, some people don't like the strong fragrance these products give off. Also for temporary pain relief and for swelling conditions you may want to try an aspirin related product like aspercreme or sports cream. Again these are for temporary pain relief. If you have any questions on deciding on the right topical pain medication, you want to make sure you ask your pharmacist. He or she will be able to best determine what the right medication for you is.