Topical rubefacient

What are Topical rubefacient?

Topical rubefacients cause irritation and reddening of the skin, due to increased blood flow. They are used in the treatment of pain in various musculoskeletal conditions.

Rubefacient: An agent that reddens the skin and causes a localized feeling of warmth via cutaneous vasodilation.

Rubefacients are preparations that produce a warm, reddening effect on your skin when you rub them in, due to increased blood flow. They are said to relieve aches and pains in joints and muscles. Examples include Deep Heat®, Movelat® and Ralgex®.

Common medicinal rubefacients include: Salicylates, such as methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) Nicotinate esters. Capsaicin, derived from chili pepper, Capsicum minimum, “incites irritation without rubefaction”

Liniments (and embrocations)
Semi-liquid preparations prepared in oily or alcoholic solution respectively, with rubefacient or analgesic intentions, are rubbed into unbroken skin. Examples include liniments of mustard and Capsicum, used to stimulate circulation, and liniment of Arnica for healing.

Rubefacients cause irritation of the skin, and are believed to relieve pain in muscles, joints and tendons, and other musculoskeletal pains in the extremities by counter-irritation(BNF 2008).

All produce inflammation of the skin, which becomes flushed – hence the term ‘rubefacients’. The best counterirritants are physical agents, especially heat. Many compounds have been used for this purpose and suitable preparations contain salicylates, nicotinates, menthol, camphor and capsaicin.