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How Menthol Works
Menthol comes from peppermint oil extracted from plants.
However, there were no differences detected in functional tasks or pain following the placebo and menthol conditions.
What Is a Counterirritant?
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Counterirritants are used to produce surface irritation of the skin to counteract underlying pain or discomfort.
Examples of counterirritants include menthol, camphor, capsaicin, and methyl salicylate.
A high-percentage menthol product can cause irritation and even chemical burns.
A few reports exist of people having severe skin reactions to even small amounts of menthol.
It is possible for menthol products to cause organ failure if swallowed or inhaled in concentrated amounts.
Serious effects include seizures, coma, and death.
These products should produce a warm or cool sensation, not pain or skin damage.
National Capital Poison Control Center.Can menthol have harmful effects?
Harvard Health Publishing.Rubbing it in.
DailyMed.Pain relieving analgesic- menthol gel.
DailyMed.Biofreeze Roll-On- menthol gel.
DailyMed.Cold and hot medicated patch- menthol patch.
Mount Sinai.Sports cream overdose.
