The skin is the largest of the body’s organs. It is not just a covering; it is a permeable membrane that allows the passage of materials from the outside into the bloodstream. Approximately sixty percent of what we put on our skin will wind up in our bloodstream. That percentage represents the normal absorption rate but it can be higher if a carrier is present. A carrier is a substance that enters the blood stream at a significantly higher rate than normal and that will carry other substances with it. There are certain carriers such as DMSO that will carry almost anything, including contaminants, quickly and directly into the bloodstream. It passes through bodily membranes with impunity. While these substances can be obtained over the counter they are too dangerous for general uninformed use.
It is the skin’s permeability that makes topical medications in cream or lotion form so dangerous if used in excess. Many people are unaware of the high absorption rate even though it should be obvious when one considers the effectiveness of the creams on reaching pain. When applied in combination or over large areas of the body it is easy to exceed safe exposure.
There have been recent instances where people have been made very sick or killed by overuse of over the counter pain relief formulas designed for external application. Many of these cases were of athletes or young people who did not realize that applying these medicines to the skin is on a par with taking them as a pill or as a liquid. They believe that if it is going on the outside of the body it is completely safe and that if a little is good more is better.
One teenage high-school track star died from using large amounts of a Bengay type over the counter sports cream combined with a pain-relieving patch. The combination of the two was deadly while either in recommended amounts would have been beneficial.
In other cases women who overused topical painkillers that are often used before hair removal or professional skin care treatments died from complications. While the deaths were not related to each other they occurred when a women used an excessive amount of pain reducing creams before treatment. The women applied the creams in large amounts to their legs and then wrapped them in plastic to increase the numbing effects. Death was from seizures that lead to coma and then death. The creams used are usually applied in the doctor’s office and should be done exactly as prescribed if done anywhere else. Ingredients used might include lidocaine, prilocaine, or other numbing substances.
It is important to take into consideration any duplication of medication. In some cases it may not be obvious because of the use of multiple forms such as in the case of the sport cream and pain patch.
Elderly arthritis sufferers and young athletes my be especially vulnerable to such medications and may be less apt to understand the possible dangers of their use. They may be careless or less alert to the possibility of overdose and may not seek help if they do suffer side effects. They are also prone to making reapplication of the products too close together if pain persists.
It is easy to obtain these over the counter drugs. They should be used like any other medication; with caution and as recommended. Read the recommendation for use carefully and watch closely for any signs of toxicity such as irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or blurred vision.
There are alternative all natural products that can be used that do not contain methyl salicylate or boron, both of which can be dangerous if overused. Several large sports care companies are marketing these products with natural ingredients. Care should still be taken to avoid overuse and to use only as recommended.
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