Table of contents:
- How do patches work to relieve pain?
- What are the side effects of the patch?
- How to use the right patch
Aches and pains all over the body due to fatigue are certainly very annoying, because it makes you not free to do some important activities because you have to gradually massage the sore body parts. Some people prefer to use patches to relieve aches and pains. Well, not infrequently this makes people addicted to wearing patches. So, what are the side effects of the patch if used for too long? Check out the following explanation.
How do patches work to relieve pain?
The transdermal drug delivery system, or what is now known as patch, is a method of treatment by delivering the drug through the dermis or skin surface. Currently, many people choose to use patches to reduce pain or aches in the body because it is a way to reduce the side effects of using oral drugs or injections.
Well, surely you have ever asked why patches can get rid of sore aches, right? The answer apparently lies in the chemical content in the patch. Patches are designed to release small amounts of medication into the bloodstream over a long period of time. The medicinal substance is absorbed from the patch through the outer layer of the skin and then into the deeper layers of the skin. It is in the deepest layer of the skin that the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated through the body.
The various chemicals in the patch include biofreeze and hot icy, both of which are alcohol-based hot or cold. Then there are also the ingredients of bengay and aspercreme which contain salicylates which are useful for reducing inflammation in the joints. The content of capzasin and zostrix which contain capsaicin can reduce pain when placed on a painful area of the body.
When all these ingredients are combined, it will radiate heat and send signals to the body to reduce pain. That is why, a patch that is attached to your body can reduce soreness, aches, and tense muscles.
What are the side effects of the patch?
Although they are effective in reducing pain, they do have some side effects. The side effect of patches that may arise is skin irritation due to allergies. Especially if you do have sensitive skin types.
If this allergic reaction gets worse, in general a person, apart from experiencing redness in the skin area, will feel itching, a burning and burning sensation, even to the point of blisters on the area of the skin where the patch is applied.
That is why patches are not recommended for use for babies or toddlers whose skin is still sensitive. In addition, people who use the patch may experience an overdose if the patch or patch used is damaged. If this happens, stop wearing it immediately and carefully remove the patch from the irritated area.
How to use the right patch
Here are a few things you can pay attention to before using patches:
- Before applying the patch to the skin, make sure it is clean and dry.
- Avoid putting the patch on skin that is damaged or irritated.
- Make sure that you apply the patch properly. It may take 20 or 30 seconds for all of the adhesive to stick firmly into place.
- Wash your hands after applying the patch.
- Patches are used only for single use unless there is an instruction that says otherwise.
- If you experience skin irritation from the adhesive, apply the next patch on another area. However, you must consult a doctor first for further treatment.
- If you want to remove the patch, fold the patch so that the adhesive ends stick together. Then wash the area with soap and water.
