Table of contents:
Patches are patches that are often used by many people, because they are considered effective in relieving aches, muscle or joint pain in the body. But is it true, using patches can eliminate these various complaints? Check out the following explanation.
How common is the patch treatment?
Koyo or the medical term transdermal patch is a type of external medicine that is placed on the patient's skin to relieve soreness, muscle aches, or joints in the body. Patches are made from a variety of medicinal chemicals designed in such a way that the drug can penetrate the skin.
Various kinds of chemicals contained in patches include menthol, glycol salicylate, and biofreeze which have been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of muscle pain. In addition, there are also bengay and aspercreme ingredients which contain salicylates which are useful for reducing joint inflammation.
Finally, the appearance of a feeling of heat when wearing the patch is due to the presence of capsaicin content which reacts with the sensor neurons. Capsaicin also works by reducing a certain natural substance in your body (substance P) that helps send pain signals to the brain.
Now, when all these ingredients are combined, it will radiate a feeling of heat and send a signal to the body to reduce pain.
That is why until now patches have become a medicine that is widely used by people to cure pain or aches in the body, compared to having to take oral drugs which will have side effects.
How do patches work?
Human skin has three layers, namely; epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The first layer is called the epidermis or so-called epidermis. The epidermis layer is the top layer of skin on human skin. Now in this first layer the patch is affixed.
The second layer of skin is called the dermis. This layer consists of blood vessels, oil glands, hair follicles, sensory nerve endings, and sweat glands. It is in this layer of skin that the patch sends the medicine to the deepest layer.
Meanwhile, the third layer of skin is the subcutaneous tissue which is the layer of fat skin or connective tissue which is located under the dermis layer which is the storage area for fat in the body.
In this layer the medicinal ingredients contained in the patch are absorbed through the blood vessels into the bloodstream. From there, your blood carries drugs through your circulatory system and spreads them to your body.
What are the side effects of using patches?
Generally, the side effects that may arise when wearing the patch are irritation of the skin due to an allergic reaction. You may experience itching, redness, heat, feeling a burning sensation, even to the extent of blisters on the area of the skin where the patch is applied.
If this happens, stop using immediately and carefully remove the patch from the irritated area.
Even though it's trivial, it's important to pay attention to how to use the patch properly according to the instructions on the packaging before you put it on. Immediately consult a doctor if you have a more serious problem.
