In some Icy Hot products, menthol and methyl salicylate are the cooling agents, while camphor brings warmheartedness and cooling. Others contain lidocaine, a topical pain reliever .
This article explores Icy Hot products and how to use them. It besides discusses the ingredients in Icy Hot and precautions to take when using it .
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Icy Hot Uses
Icy Hot topical pain relievers use counterirritants, which act on trouble receptors to dull minor aches and pains. Icy Hot products are approved for :
- Minor arthritis pain
- Simple backache
- Muscle soreness
- Strains and sprains
- Bruises
- Cramps
Icy Hot Ingredients
The active ingredients in Icy Hot change from product to intersection. Some coarse compounds include :
- Menthol alone
- Menthol and methyl salicylate
- Menthol and camphor
- Menthol and lidocaine (a topical anesthetic)
Icy Hot is for external use only. The ingredients cause a aplomb sensation followed by heat. So first it ‘s “ arctic, ” then it ‘s “ hot. ”
few studies have investigated the consequence of pain patches like Icy Hot ‘s. Most of them have been of poor quality .
Before Using Icy Hot
Always follow the instructions on the label of Icy Hot products. Each product has its own instructions. Some forms are stronger than others .
All Icy Hot products say they ‘re for adults. They should n’t be used by children under 12 unless a healthcare provider approves .
Precautions
The warnings on Icy Hot labels say :
- Use only as directed.
- Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
- Do not apply to wounds or irritated, broken, or damaged skin.
- Do not bandage tightly or use with a heating pad.
- If you’re prone to aspirin or salicylate allergies, ask a doctor before using products containing methyl salicylate.
- Do not apply to skin folds.
- Do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight or heat.
- Stop use right away if you have a severe burning sensation.
FDA Warning
topical annoyance relievers may cause first-to-third degree chemical burns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) warns. This applies to topical trouble relievers—creams, ointments, lotions, and patches—including menthol, methyl salicylate, lidocaine, or capsaicin.
Icy Hot Formulations and Dosages
You can buy a wide range of over-the-counter ( OTC ) products under the Icy Hot brand. They include :
- Patches
- Sleeves
- Balms
- Roll-ons
- Dry sprays
- Gels
- Creams
They come in assorted strengths and combinations of ingredients .
Icy Hot Back Patch
Icy Hot offers three patches : the Icy Hot Back Patch, Advanced Relief Patch, and Lidocaine Patch .
They all have medication on an adhesive material pad. But they have different ingredients, strengths, and instructions .
Icy Hot Back Patch
- Contains 5% menthol.
- Comes in regular and extra-large (XL) sizes.
- Apply to your back or other large areas.
- Wear for up to eight hours.
- Repeat up to three times daily.
Icy Hot Advanced Relief Patch
- Contains 7.5% menthol.
- Wear for up to 12 hours.
- Use only one per day.
Icy Hot Lidocaine Patch
- Contains 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol.
- Wear for up to 12 hours.
- Use only one at a time.
Icy Hot Sleeve
The Icy Hot Sleeve comes in one form and dose .
- Contains 16% menthol lotion on a flexible sleeve pad.
- Fits anything between 8 inches and 24 inches in circumference.
- Generally used for ankle, elbow, and knee joints.
- Use for up to eight hours.
- Use up to three per day.
Follow the directions for applying the sleeve correctly .
Icy Hot Balm
Icy Hot Balm is an “ extra potency ” product. The dosages are higher than other Icy Hot products .
- Contains 7.6% menthol and 29% methyl salicylate.
- Apply to the affected area and massage until it’s absorbed.
- Repeat up to four times daily.
The ointment is available in a 3.5-ounce clash .
Icy Hot No Mess
Three forms of Icy Hot No Mess come in a roll-on applicator. They ‘re quick-drying and do n’t stain .
Icy Hot No Mess
- Contains 16% menthol.
- Apply to the affected area and massage in.
- Repeat up to four times a day.
Icy Hot Lidocaine No Mess
- Contains 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol.
- Apply to the affected area every six to eight hours.
- Use up to three times daily.
Icy Hot PRO No Mess
- Contains 16% menthol and 11% camphor.
- Use the applicator to massage into to the affected area every six to eight hours.
- Apply up to four times a day.
The no-mess products come in a 2.5-ounce bottle .
Icy Hot Dry Spray
Icy Hot Dry Spray comes in three formulations. It ‘s in a continuous spray bottle and dries promptly. These products do n’t need to be massaged into the peel .
Icy Hot Dry Spray
- Contains 16% menthol.
- Use up to three or four times daily.
Icy Hot Lidocaine Dry Spray
- Contains 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol.
- Apply every six to eight hours.
- Use up to three times daily.
Icy Hot PRO Dry Spray
- Contains 16% menthol and 11% camphor
- Apply to the affected area every six to eight hours.
- Use three to four times a day.
These products are extremely flammable. Do not use them when smoking or near heat or a flame. Read their labels for further instructions .
Icy Hot Gels
Two Icy Hot gels formulations are available .
Icy Hot Power Gel
- Contains 16% menthol.
- Fast-acting, quick-drying formula.
- Apply to the affected area and massage in.
- Repeat up to three or four times a day.
Icy Hot Vanishing Scent Gel
Icy Hot Vanishing Scent comes in a 2.5-ounce metro with a sponge-top applicator .
- Contains 2.5% menthol.
- Squeezed onto the affected area.
- Use the sponge applicator to massage in until absorbed.
- Repeat up to four times a day.
The scent disappears promptly after application .
Icy Hot Cream
Icy Hot Cream is a non-greasy formulation that works immediately on contact. It comes in four versions .
Icy Hot Cream
- Contains 10% menthol and 30% methyl salicylate.
- Available in 1.25-ounce and 3-ounce tubes.
- Apply and massage in.
- Repeat up to four times a day.
Icy Hot Advanced Cream
- Contains 11% camphor and 16% menthol.
- Available in a 2-ounce tube.
- Apply and massage in.
- Repeat up to four times a day.
Icy Hot Lidocaine Cream
- Contains 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol.
- Available in 1.75-ounce and 2.7-ounce tubes.
Icy Hot PRO Cream
- Contains 16% menthol and 11% camphor.
- Massage into the affected area every six to eight hours.
- Use up to four times a day.
drumhead
Icy Hot is a topical pain reliever that comes in multiple strengths, formulations, and combinations of ingredients.
Each type is applied differently. Follow the instructions on the product label .