Many people ask ‘Why do I feel pain in my body’? But do you know that you couldn’t know without pain, that there is a problem in your body? So body pain is a signal that tells you there is something wrong inside and outside your body. You can say that pain is a tongue of your body that speaks when your body gets hurt so you can know the affected area with any illness of your body. The pain is an alarm for you that helps you to take action to treat the problem in that particular part of your body.
It provides hints about the cause. Pain may feel like a sharp stab, a dull ache, or other sensations such as throbbing, pinching, itching, stinging, burning, or soreness. Pain can be acute, developing suddenly and lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting over days, months, or years. It depends on the cause of the pain. It can occur in any part of your body. The most common pain can be in your head, throat, ears, joints, stomach, teeth, back, shoulders, and neck.
Some pain can be easily managed at home with natural remedies, while other types require medical attention and medicine. People try different ways to relieve pain such as painkiller pills, pain relief creams, gel or oil massage, cold compress, sprays, and exercise. Most people take painkillers for instant pain relief. But pain killers should not take a long time. It can affect your liver, kidneys, and other organs. That’s why doctors and physicians recommend external creams, gels, and sprays for pain and itching relief.
Menthol cream is one of them. It is a natural and organic product that relieves pain and itching. It is obtained from peppermint, oils of corn mint, or other mints plus make synthetically. Menthol is a waxy, clear, or white crystalline cream.
How Menthol Cream Soothes Minor Aches and Itches
Following is the magic of menthol for easing pain and itching with topical pain relief creams.
1. What Is Menthol?
Menthol is a compound derived from peppermint oil. It can be extracted naturally from plants or synthesized chemically.
When applied to the skin, menthol creates a cooling sensation, which helps distract from pain and irritation.
2. How Does Menthol Work?
Counterirritant Effect: Menthol is classified as a counterirritant. It produces surface irritation on the skin, which counteracts underlying pain or discomfort.
Initially, menthol stimulates nerve endings, but with continued exposure, it desensitizes these nerve endings, reducing pain sensitivity.
Mild anesthetic: Menthol may also have a mild anesthetic effect, which means it can numb the skin and reduce pain signals.
3. Conditions Menthol Cream Can Help With:
Arthritis Pain: Topical menthol creams and lotions can temporarily relieve minor arthritis pain.
Strains, Bruises, and Sprains: Menthol provides relief from pain caused by strains, bruises, and sprains.
More, muscle aches and pains, tendonitis, backache, and bursitis.
4. Topical Menthol Products:
Various over-the-counter products contain menthol:
- Absorbine Jr.: Contains menthol.
- BioFreeze: Includes menthol.
- Icy Hot: Contains menthol (strength varies).
- Tiger Balm: A combination of menthol and camphor.
- Vicks VapoRub: Contains camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil.
5. Safety Considerations:
- Eye and Skin Irritation: Menthol can cause eye and skin irritation.
- High-Percentage Products: High-percentage menthol products may lead to irritation or chemical burns.
- Organ Failure Risk: Swallowing or inhaling concentrated menthol can cause organ failure, seizures, coma, and even death.
- Keep Out of Reach: Menthol pain reliever cream should be kept away from reach of kids, and children and not be applied to children under 12 years old.
Menthol cream is generally safe and effective for most people when used as directed. However, it is important to note that it does not address the underlying cause of pain or itching. If you have symptoms that are severe or do not improve with menthol cream, it is important to see a doctor.
Remember you should follow the instructions on the packaging or consult your healthcare provider when using menthol-based products. Stay cool and pain-free with menthol cream.
