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General RUB·A535™ FAQs

Here you can find answers to many Frequently Asked Questions.
What is a counterirritant?

Health Canada defines counterirritants as “an externally applied substance that causes irritation or mild inflammation of the skin for the purpose of relieving pain in muscles or joints by reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures1.” Counterirritants are most often used to relieve aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with the following conditions:

  • Simple backache
  • Lumbago
  • Strains and sprains
  • Arthritis1

Ingredients such as menthol, methyl salicylate and camphor are called counterirritants because they produce a heating or cooling irritation where applied to help relieve pain2.

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Sources
1. Health Canada: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=counter, retrieved April 5, 2014
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Arthritis pain: Treatments absorbed through your skin. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/in-depth/pain-medications/art-20045899?footprints=mine retrieved October 24, 2014