Are Topical Pain Relief Patches Harmful to the Body? Overuse Can Still Damage the Liver and Kidneys

Although pain relief patches are for external use and seem safe, excessive use can still harm the body. While they may alleviate discomfort, they could also pose potential risks to the body.

Pain relief patches contain two main types of ingredients: Traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. The ingredients in Chinese medicine patches often include chili oil, peppermint oil, and salicylic acid, using warmth to accelerate blood circulation or cool sensations to relieve pain. Western medicine patches, on the other hand, may contain prescription drugs such as Fentanyl (controlled substances), Flurbiprofen, or Lidocaine, and require a doctor's prescription to obtain.

Many people choose to use pain relief patches because they are concerned about the side effects of oral medications, or they prefer topical relief due to long-term issues such as stomach ulcers. Using patches externally replaces oral medications. However, just like all drugs, pain relief patches also have their usage limitations.

Similar to oral medications, excessive or frequent use of pain relief patches can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and stomach, and may even lead to skin allergies and other side effects. Although the patches are applied externally, these ingredients are absorbed through the skin and enter the body, potentially affecting liver, kidney, and stomach functions.

It is important to note that if you are already taking oral medications regularly, you should avoid using pain relief patches or other topical pain relief creams to prevent an excessive accumulation of drugs in the body, which could create unnecessary risks.

Therefore, if you're a fan of pain relief patches, remember to use them cautiously. It's best to follow the correct usage methods and frequency under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist. Don't overlook the risks just because the patches are applied externally.