Warming ointments with bruises

In the complex treatment of bruises, as well as many other injuries of a closed type, external means are used in various forms - gels, ointments or creams.

The bruise provokes pain, swelling, which develops due to the violation of blood flow in small vessels, soft tissues do not receive nutrition, their regeneration is hampered by local hypoxia and permeability of capillary walls. All these symptoms help to neutralize medications on an ointment basis, including warming ointments with bruises. Hyperemic agents activate blood flow, normalize lymph circulation, help reduce the tone of damaged muscles, greatly reduce pain symptoms.

Indications for use of warming ointments from bruises

Virtually all ointments from bruises are now multi-component. They are used not only to treat closed contusions of soft tissues, but also as an external therapeutic agent in a variety of other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including muscles.

Indications for the use of warming ointments from bruises are caused by such actions: 

• Local anesthetic effect.
• Local anti-inflammatory effect.
• Activation of lymph flow in the area of damage.
• Improve soft tissue trophism.
• Improvement of microcirculation.

Warmant ointments from bruising are used only for closed-type concussive injuries, as well as for stretches, dislocations and other injuries diagnosed as minor or mild injury. The therapeutic effect of hyperemia is based on the action of the active ingredients that make up the ointment. Hyperemia (warming up) helps to improve blood microcirculation in damaged soft tissues, restoring normal blood flow and nutrition. Due to the fact that most ointments are multicomponent, they also have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce the symptoms of local inflammation.

Indications for use: 

• Contusions of soft tissues of closed type (without damaging the skin).
• Sprains, dislocations.
• Myalgia.
• Massage.
• Warm up the muscles before training (after them).
• Sports injuries of a closed type.
• Local-irritant therapy to activate peripheral circulation.

Pharmacodynamics

All irritating, warming ointments from bruises act as activators of the endings of the afferent nerves of the skin. In addition, the pharmacodynamics of hyperemia is due to a resorption property, when the thermal effect promotes blood flow, vasodilatation and improvement of microcirculation in the area of the injury.

The positive therapeutic effect is expressed in the improvement of trophism, which is achieved through exposure to skin-visceral reflexes, the center of which is located in the spinal cord. The afferent link in this case is the nerve endings of the skin, and the efferent (excretory) - sympathetic nerve fibers located in certain areas of the medulla spinalis (spinal cord). In addition, the pharmacodynamics of the action of hyperemic agents is associated with the release of certain active substances, such as histamine, which in turn provides a local trophic effect.

Also, one of the obvious signs of the work of warming ointments is local irritation, which distracts and thereby weakens the pain sensation in the place of injury or injury. This action is explained by the interaction of the starting impulse (afferent) from the damage zone, mainly from the skin and injured subcutaneous tissue. It has been experimentally proved that the process of transmission of impulses of pain in the dorsal or brain enters the visceral-afferent and somatic systems, and the local distraction action of the ointment contributes to the interruption of this process. In addition, pain reduction is possible due to activation of antinociceptive CNS receptors, which correspond to the regulation and perception of pain. This property has long been used in the treatment of acupuncture, acupuncture.

Pharmacokinetics

External agents in the form of ointments are not capable of having a significant effect on the internal organs of the system, this is due to the form of the drug. The ointment does not penetrate into the systemic bloodstream, and those of its active substances that are still absorbed into the blood are a negligible amount that is not sufficient for a significant effect on the body's condition. It should be noted that unlike pharmacodynamics, the pharmacokinetics of warming ointments from bruises have been studied little and information about the way and through which organs the active substance of the drug is excreted is absent. Obviously, the mechanism of absorption, metabolism and elimination of ointment forms is not so interesting to microbiologists, pharmacists and doctors, because they do not represent health hazards. The only exception may be combined ointments or gels containing methyl salicylates or poisons of bees, snakes. Salicylates used externally are eliminated by the kidney and adrenal, but their concentration in the bloodstream is very small and is not capable of causing side effects. Ointments containing poisons can also have a deeper effect, in which the active component penetrates into the blood by a percutaneous route and is excreted by the kidneys quickly enough.

Names of warming ointments from bruises

We present the list of the most popular and effective warming external means with soft tissue injuries: 

• Apisatron - a remedy with bee venom, which removes inflammation at the site of injury, has a warming and distracting local effect.
• Viprosal is an ointment with venom of gyurza. Well helps with soft tissue injuries, providing activation of microcirculation and improving trophic tissue.
• Virapin is a remedy with bee venom, which helps with stretching, myalgia, bruises.
• Thermal balms Rescuer Forte, containing essential oil of fir, sea buckthorn oil, capsaicin, vitamins, beeswax. It helps to relieve pain, activate blood supply to damaged tissues, accelerate resorption with hematomas.
• Gymnastal - an ointment of a complex composition, which includes a petrol nicotinic acid ester, hydroxine, methyltransfer and other components. The drug is used in the treatment of bruises, sprains, myositis.
• Vipratox is an ointment containing a complex of poisons of various snakes and methyl salicylate. It is used as a warming agent for radiculitis, bruises, joint pain.
• Capsicum is an anesthetic and warming ointment containing benzyl nicotinate, turpentine, camphor. It removes inflammation, pain, warms up the injury site with bruises, closed injuries.
• Efkamon - a remedy with camphor, methyl salicylate, essential oil of cloves, pepper tincture. A very strong warming ointment, shown in the treatment of myalgia, neuralgia, bruises, myositis, arthritis.
• Finalgon, containing nonivamide and nicoboxil, which due to local irritating action, relieve pain and inflammation in the place of injury.
• Espol - a warming ointment, shown with the stretching of muscles, ligaments, in the treatment of bruises.
• Myoton - a preparation containing essential oils, plant substances. Ointment relieves inflammation, eliminates pain with myalgia, myositis, bruises.

How to apply warming ointments from bruises?

The method of applying a warming ointment from bruising is somewhat different from the use of pain killers. The main rule is that the bruise can not be heated during the first 24 hours. Locally irritating ointments or gels are applied only after two to three days. In addition, the method of use requires caution, since many irritants contain essential oils, pepper extracts or poisons, which, if applied to mucous membranes (eyes, nose), can cause not only discomfort, but real allergic symptoms.

How to use warming ointments from bruises: 

• The place of injury should be prepared - rub it with light massage movements. This contributes to the activation of blood circulation and creates an opportunity for a better absorption of the drug.
• If the task is to achieve the most rapid effect, then the solution is best solved in the form of a gel, not an ointment. The gel quickly overcomes the skin barrier and acts on the nerve receptors.
• The amount of ointment applied depends on the extent of the damage zone. But in general, it is believed that the place of injury should be less than 15 centimeters in diameter.
• Ointment is applied to the bruising zone no more than 30 times a day.
• Pay attention to the skin condition. Any scratch or irritation is a definitive contra-indication for the use of irritants.
• If the skin is hypersensitive, the area of injury should be pre-lubricated with any neutral cream or vegetable oil.
• The course of treatment, as a rule, does not exceed 7 days. A longer treatment with warming ointments from bruises is unacceptable.

The ointment applied to the site of the injury begins to work within 2-3 minutes, the effect of the drug lasts up to 1 hour. The intensity of the warming effect is not related to the thickness of the layer of the ointment, so do not be zealous to avoid a burn on the skin.

General recommendations on the rules for the use of warming outdoor products are indicated on the original packaging.

Use during pregnancy

Warm up ointments from bruises during pregnancy are contraindicated in the same way as other thermal procedures. This can activate the flow of blood not only to the meta bruise, but also in principle to disrupt the process of hemodynamics in the tissues. It is believed that the use during pregnancy of the following ointments is categorically contraindicated: 

• All ointments containing bee venom - Apisatron, Apitoxin, Virapine.
• All ointments with venom of snakes - Viprosal, Vipraksin.
• Ointments with essential oils.
• Ointments containing NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Ointments containing salicylates.

In addition, that irritating, hyperemic agents can provoke an allergic reaction, there is a risk of getting active substances into the bloodstream and overcoming the placental barrier. Especially it is necessary to be an acute woman in the third trimester of gestation, when the arterial duct is very sensitive to any effect, including to the local one.

Use of warming ointments from bruises during pregnancy or lactation is allowed only with the permission of the doctor.

Contraindications to the use of warming ointments in case of bruises

Since warming ointments from bruises now contain many active components, and also because of their irritating effect, there are also diseases, conditions in which such means can not be used.

Contraindications: 

• Pregnancy, lactation.
• Ointments, warming action is preferably not used in the treatment of children under 12 years.
• The allergy in the anamnesis. Especially careful should be with ointments, which include essential oils, poisons.
• Damage to the skin - scratches, cuts, wounds, ulcers, dermatitis, eczema.
• Hypersensitivity of skin.
• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system in the stage of exacerbation (arthritis, arthrosis).
• With caution in neuropathology.
• Chronic hepatitis.
• Infectious diseases.
• Tuberculosis.
• With caution in diabetes.
• Deep soft tissue injuries, bone fracture.
• Extensive hematomas.

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Side effects

Since the heating-up ointments can include rather active components - essential oils, poisons (bee, snake), which have a pronounced irritant effect, side effects when they are applied are unavoidable. This is especially true for injuries, accompanied by damage to the skin - wounds, scratches, ulcers, dermatitis.

Side-effects that can accompany the application of warming ointments from bruises: 

• A local skin burn.
• Allergic reaction, right up to Quincke's edema.
• Local skin irritation and swelling.
• Ulceration of the skin at the site of injury.
• Vesicular rash.
• Appearance of pustules, pustules.
• Dermatitis.
• Itching.
• Rarely - shortness of breath and cough as a sign of the onset of an allergic reaction.

At occurrence of any alarming signs it is necessary to stop application of ointment immediately, side effects should be neutralized within day. If the symptoms grow or last more than one day, you need to see a doctor and get adequate treatment.

Overdose

Overdose of hyperemic ointments is unlikely. This is possible only with a strong desire to quickly remove puffiness, eliminate hematoma or anesthetize the bruised area. Overdose can be associated with an excessively thick layer of ointment or with its frequent application. Other cases of violation of the use of warming agents in medical practice were not noted.

The intensity of symptoms in an overdose depends on how often the gel or ointment is applied, on its amount and the extent of the zone. The way to eliminate undesirable side effects is simple 0 cancellation and careful skin treatment. The ointment is removed with a napkin or tissue, the place of the bruise is smeared with baby cream or Panthenol is used. If there are signs of an allergic reaction, dermatitis, you should see a doctor and get professional medical help.

Interactions with other drugs

There are no specific data on the interaction of warming ointments from bruises with other drugs. However, it is obvious that any combination medicines should not be combined with any means to avoid complications and a possible allergic reaction.

The general principle of using warming ointments is based on the fact that they are applied only after the elimination of the primary symptoms of the injury in the first day. Hyperemic drugs are used for 2 or 3-1 days as monotherapy. Do not combine warming gel or ointments with other medications on an ointment basis, except there may be a neutral preparation that is previously applied to the skin as a tread. Also, you can not mix two or three warming ointments, their composition is already complex, and such experiments can not only not have an effect, but also trigger a burn or allergy.

Interaction with other drugs prescribed orally or in the form of an injection is unlikely, since a bruise is not considered a serious trauma requiring complex therapy.

How to store warming ointments from bruises?

Many ointments that have warming properties contain essential oils. Hence the first rule, which, however, applies to all other ointment forms, is the storage of the drug in a closed form. Standard storage conditions are indicated on the original packaging, and they should be adhered to so that the ointment does not lose its medicinal properties.

Storage rules: 

• Ointment is stored in a closed form, preferably in its packaging.
• Ointment should be placed in a cool place, protected from sunlight.
• The consistency of the consistency of the ointment depends on the temperature conditions specified in the instructions. Gels should be stored in the refrigerator, and before applying, hold at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. More dense ointment on fat basis can be stored at room temperature, not exceeding 15-18 degrees.
• Heating emulsions are stored in the cold.
• Any ointments, and thaw more warming, should be stored in a place not accessible to children. It should be borne in mind that the hyperemic agents include strong irritant components, if they get into the digestive tract they can cause intoxication.

The method and conditions for storing the ointment depends on its physical and chemical properties, all recommendations are usually described in the instructions or on the original packaging.

Shelf life

Shelf life of the medication on an ointment basis does not exceed 2 years. Longer storage destroys the active ingredients of the ointment, it becomes ineffective and can even cause undesirable complications.

The expiration date of the warming ointment from bruises, as a rule, is indicated on the original packaging. If the medication is not used during this period, and the period expires, the ointment should be disposed of.

Warming ointments can be used independently, most of them are over-the-counter drugs. However, to avoid side effects, you should carefully study the instructions or consult your doctor.