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Analgesic liniments are pain relieving products which are administered topically on the skin. This preparation also addresses the problem of inflammation such that in the exacerbation episodes of arthritis or pain associated with joint inflammations. It is creamy to greasy, thick in consistency and usually have minty or pungent aroma. Other products are added with sweet smelling chemicals so as to neutralize the irritating scent of some of its ingredients. The chemical compounds in analgesic liniments can potentially bring off pain relief by way of altering the perception of stimuli in the nociceptive receptors. Upon application, the analgesic compounds are dissolved in the base causing cellular penetration and absorption possible.
Analgesic liniments are also helpful in alleviating pain caused by strained muscles. Once applied, the analgesic components of the liniment are readily absorbed through the skin and acts upon pain receptor sites. Some studies reveal that mild pain relief is brought about by the reduction of prostaglandin production in the body. Prostaglandins are the chemicals responsible for the development of pain triggered by tissue damage, injuries and inflammation. The minty property of liniments also facilitates pain relief by causing a cooling effect on the skin.
The beneficial substances in analgesic liniments are readily absorbed through the skin. This kind of medication administration varies on a number of factors both on the part of the liniment product content and the human body. Some of the factors associated with the liniment product include its concentration, how long it is stayed on the skin, the amount of liniment applied and its solubility. On the other hand, age, skin type, status of the skin and the portion of the body applied are some of the human factors in the administration and effectiveness of analgesic liniment. There are also certain substances, such as Dimethyl sulfoxide, that serve as analgesic molecule carriers to enhance the amount of analgesic absorbed by the skin.
Analgesic liniments have a disclaimer on its label stating “For external use only”. It is important to follow this reminder because analgesic liniments may contain irritants which may cause blister formation or further inflammation if applied on to open skin. Therefore, you must also prevent introduction of the product into your eyes. Nevertheless, since ingestion of analgesic liniments may cause adverse effects, it is important that you keep the product out of children’s. Like any other medications, liniments must also be used cautiously even if these are only applied topically. Pain might be a significant symptom of a serious medical condition and using analgesic liniments might conceal certain symptoms that might need immediate medical attention. Carefully read and follow the directions for use in the label.
If it will be your first time to use a specific analgesic liniment, apply a very small amount on your forearm first to test if you are allergic to its ingredients. Liniments have many components which may irritate your skin. Experts state that you should not be using analgesic liniments regularly for more than one week, unless advised by a qualified doctor. Therefore, seeking medical consultation before use is highly suggested.
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