What Doctors Look for When Recommending Topical Pain Relief Products

Have you ever entered a beauty supply store and seen several rows of products to choose from, and not know which to choose to assist you with your aching body? If so, you have no idea how common it is. Too Many Choices—The amount of options available for topical pain relief gives you too many possibilities, and trying to figure out which product has the same desired effect as your doctor’s recommendation can be very difficult! The next time you go into a pharmacy, remember, there is a system behind how doctors decide what to prescribe as well! By knowing what your physician will be looking for, you can make better decisions about how to treat yourself (whether you are experiencing muscle or joint pain, stiffness or chronic discomfort).

Here in this blog, we give you proper information about what doctors look for when recommending topical pain relief products. So, stay tuned with this blog.

The Active Ingredient Comes First

Physicians assess why each ingredient is used—it varies based on your symptoms. Pain is treated through various methods of targeting an individual's symptoms. Identifying the appropriate ingredient for your complaint is essential.

• For instance, Diclofenac (NSAID) is frequently prescribed for localized joint pain and arthritis because it reduces inflammation directly at the painful area.
• Lidocaine numbs, and so it can be used for nerve-related pain or following a shingles outbreak.
• Capsaicin has been found to reduce a chemical called substance P that transmits pain signals. This makes capsaicin effective in treating diabetic neuropathy.
• Menthol and Camphor (true coolants and warmers) can help reduce the perception of pain and promote proper circulation by producing cooling or warming sensations on the skin.

The doctor will determine how the mechanism of action relates to your type of pain (e.g., Inflammatory, Neuropathic or Musculoskeletal) and the appropriate ingredient to utilize.

Formulation and Delivery Method

Although two drugs may contain the same active ingredient, it is very important how that active ingredient is delivered. Physicians weigh in on the options (cream gel, patch or spray) based on what is best for their patients' individual circumstances.

Many active people prefer gels because they absorb quickly and leave little or no residual amounts as opposed to patches which can provide a long-lasting method of pain relief because of their ability to release the medication over time.

Some patients may prefer using creams due to having sensitive skin or extremely dry skin.

Another factor that is important to clinicians is the ability of the product to penetrate. Some products are meant to penetrate deeply into the muscle tissue while others primarily create an effect on the nerves or skin's receptors located closer to the surface of the body.

Safety Profile and Drug Interactions

Many people think that topical products are truly safe as they only get applied to the skin; however, physicians understand that this is not correct. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), even in small amounts, can still pass into the bloodstream, thus creating concerns for patients taking anticoagulants and/or with renal insufficiency.

Physicians evaluate a patient's current medication therapies and comorbidities prior to prescribing topical medications. An example is an elderly patient who has high menthol levels in topical products, which may cause irritation of his/her skin. Additional examples include transdermal patch products that can pose a risk to a patient with impaired circulation.

Ease of Use and Patient Compliance

For any treatment to be effective, it must be used by the patient consistently. Physicians take into consideration the patient's lifestyle and ability to move around comfortably in order to determine what is best for them. A patient with arthritis in their hands may have difficulty applying the gel appropriately so a patch may be more appropriate for them; however, a very active person may prefer a product that absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy residue on their skin.

Compliance is an often unspoken but very important factor in determining whether or not an individual will follow a recommendation made by their physician.

Clinical Evidence and Brand Reliability

At last, doctors prefer the options that have been scientifically proven to work through research that can be verified by other medical professionals. Doctors generally select brands with a proven record of providing high quality merchandise, so they are more likely to use these brands rather than use a product with no identifiable formulation.

Conclusion

It isn’t just a guess that an appropriate topical pain relief product works. Many factors are evaluated by your physician (active ingredient, delivery system, safety profile, patient lifestyle), and are sorted through to determine what will work best for you. When selecting a product, it is always advisable to ask your health care provider for help in finding a product that works for you. According to experts like Henin Lukinz, the best pain relief option is one that has been tested on patients, is customized to the patient’s needs, and is used consistently.

FAQs

Q1. Can I just pick any topical pain relief cream from the pharmacy without asking a doctor?

Yes — a lot of them are available to buy. But that's not always the best idea. For example, there are many kinds of pain and how you manage that pain depends on which kind of pain you are experiencing. A product that works on your neighbour's sore knee may not work at all for your nerve pain. If you have a quick discussion with a doctor or pharmacist, you will likely save yourself a lot of expense and time spent looking for something that will help.

Q2. Why does my doctor recommend a gel instead of a cream? Aren't they basically the same thing?

Although they appear to be alike, they differ. Gels penetrate quickly, are lightweight on the skin, and leave no oily feel on the skin after use, making them ideal for those who dislike the feel of an oil product after application. Creams are generally thicker, provide more moisture, and may be better for people with dry or sensitive skin types. The choice of medication is made by a physician based on the person's skin type, activity level, and severity of pain.

Q3. Are topical pain relief products actually safe? I always assumed they're gentler than pills.

Topical solutions are usually safer than taking prescription pain/analgesic medications in a pill form; however, topical does not mean that they are void of any hazards or dangers. Some of the ingredients that are in topical products, such as anti-inflammatory medication delivered through a gel, can still enter your bloodstream through the skin in small quantities. Therefore, if you’re taking blood thinning medications or have kidney disease, then this should be something you need to discuss with your medical provider, just as you would for any oral medications you take.

Q4. How do I know if the product I'm using is actually working or just masking the pain?

Good Question -- And There Are Many People That Don't Ask This Question. Some Topically Applied Products (Menthol Or Camphor Containing) Create A Cool - Warm Sensation; therefore, distracting your brain while still having to deal with pain. This Does Not Change Your Inflammatory Process Or Heal The Tissue; However, If You Are Experiencing Recurring Pain, You Should Contact Your Doctor Instead Of Just Continuing To Apply More Cream.