Pain Cream – What to Look For in a Pain Cream

Swelling, aches and pain cream are a normal part of life for many people. But when they become too intense, it’s important to have effective medication to reduce the discomfort. Medications that target inflammation and alleviate pain come in the form of oral pills, liquids or creams that can be applied to the skin. Topical anti-inflammatory medicines, such as Voltaren (diclofenac) gel, capsaicin cream and menthol cream, can reduce the swelling associated with many health conditions and injuries.

Unlike pills, which can have a variety of body-wide side effects, these creams deliver their ingredients directly to the area where you need them. They work by creating sensations like cooling or warming the skin to distract from pain signals. Some also include anesthetics such as lidocaine to numb the skin and reduce painful feelings. Capsaicin is another ingredient that works as an alternative to anesthetics by blocking the nerve endings that transmit pain messages to the brain.

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Menthol and camphor create a new feeling of coolness or warmth, which distracts from pain signals. Some products also use homeopathic ingredients such as arnica, which may help with a wide range of conditions and injuries including sore muscles.

A good quality pain relief cream should be easy to apply and rub in. It should also leave a pleasant, skin-soothing scent that’s not overpowering. While this may seem minor, some users find strong scents to be a turn-off and look for fragrance-free options.