Pain relief creams, gels and rubs

These products use ingredients such as menthol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptus oil and camphor. They work by 'irritating' your skin, causing a burning, cooling or tingling sensation in the area where they’re applied. 

Counterirritant creams and gels are generally safe, but they can cause skin reactions such as redness, swelling and blistering. If this occurs, stop using the product and ask for advice from your healthcare provider. See how to use pain relief creams and gels safely below.

Note: Capsaicin cream is also called a counterirritant. It's used for pain relief caused by osteoarthritis and nerve pain. Read more about capsaicin.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) gels contain the anti-inflammatories:

• diclofenac (Voltaren Emulgel, Evoflex gel)
• ibuprofen (Deep Relief gel).

These medicines can be used for sprains and strains, osteoarthritis, bursitis (inflamed areas between bone and tendons) and tendinitis (irritated or inflamed tendons, eg, tennis or golfer’s elbow).

They're applied to the skin over the painful area. The medicine goes through the skin and helps to reduce pain and swelling in that area. Some studies suggest they can work as well as anti-inflammatory tablets or capsules but have fewer side-effects. See how to use pain relief creams and gels safely below.

The NSAID gels are generally safe, but you need to take care if you:

• are taking anti-inflammatory tablets or capsules: Check with your doctor about whether you can also use NSAID gels. They will consider the total amount of NSAID you are taking and may recommend that you don’t use both at once. 
• are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs: Check with your doctor about whether NSAID gels are suitable for you.
• have asthma: An increase in wheezing has been reported in a very small number of people who have asthma and use NSAID gels. However, these side-effects have happened when people have applied very large amounts to their skin.
• have kidney problems: If you have kidney problems, check with your doctor about whether NSAID creams and gels are suitable for you.

Read more about NSAIDs and the risks associated with them.

Numbing or anaesthetic gels and creams contain agents such as lignocaine and prilocaine. They work by numbing the area where the cream or gel is applied.

• They may be used before a painful injection or when putting in a urinary catheter.
• They may also be used before having tattoos or tattoo removal.
• Lignocaine gel may be helpful if you have severe nerve pain caused after having shingles. It may also be helpful if you have genital herpes, to reduce pain when you go to the toilet.

See how to use pain relief creams and gels safely.

Pain relief creams, gels and rubs are generally safe to use. There have been reports of skin reactions such as redness, swelling and blistering. Here are a few tips on how you can use them safely.

Do

• Stop using the product if you get any pain, swelling or blistering of your skin after using it. Wash the area to remove any remaining product. If your symptoms continue, see your healthcare provider.
• Use a small amount and gently rub into the area.
• Wash any leftover product from your hands after applying. If using the product for pain on your hands, wash your hands after 30 minutes of applying it.

Don't

• Apply these products to broken or irritated skin.
• Get the product in your eyes. Wash it off straight away if it gets in contact with your eyes. 
• Apply the product to sensitive areas such as your nose and genital area, unless advised by your healthcare provider. 
• Apply tight bandages or heat (heating pads, hot water bottles, and heat lamps) to the area where it has been used.
• Apply the cream immediately before or soon after activities such as bathing or showering, swimming, sunbathing or heavy exercise.
• Have hot showers or baths immediately after putting it on.