The day I became a scarlet woman! (Deep Heat Fast Relief Rub)

Member Name: NomadSue

Product:	Deep Heat Fast Relief Rub
Date:	01/11/09 (112 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gives immediate pain relief.

Disadvantages: Has a strong smell & does not remove the actual cause of the pain.

The day I became a scarlet woman.

For years I slept with the bedroom windows open - good, healthy fresh air! However I have recently experienced excruciating pains in the upper parts of both my arms, worse in the arm nearer the window. Doubtless this has been caused by the 'fresh air' i.e. draught. So habits have had to change. Windows closed, warmer bed wear, an extra layer over my arms. Yes, that should stop the pain getting worse. But how to alleviate the pain?

Having tried countless hot baths, hot showers, heat pads, ibuprofim pain relief gel, I finally purchased a tube of Deep Heat Pain Relief heat rub.

Deep Heat Pain Relief heat rub comes in a red, metal tube contained in a simple red cardboard box. It is important to check that the seal on the tube is intact before purchase. The product is described as, 'Effective relief for muscular and rheumatic pain' and contains the impressively named ingredients: Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil, Mathyl Salicylate, Turpentile Oil, plus a few other minor ingredients. Not being a scientist, I am unable to specify exactly what contribution is made by each ingredient, but the combination produces a white cream that generates quite a powerful heat upon one's skin.

There are clear instructions on both the box and the tube as to who the medicine is suitable / not suitable for, when to use it, how to use it, and advice about frequency. The cream is described as being suitable for children as well as adults, but, as with any cream, I would strongly advise you to try it on a tiny area of the child's skin before using the cream in any quantity. This way you can check for any allergies as well as accustom the child to the ensuing warmth.

It is important not to use it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, have broken or sensitive skin, or under dressings or plasters. If you suffer an allergic reaction such as an unusual degree of redness or an itchy skin, you must stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. You are also advised to keep the treated area out of direct sunlight.

To use this cream, you massage a small amount on the problem area. As it is cream rather than gel, you need to rub for quite a long time before the cream is completely absorbed. Actually, the rubbing action itself is also beneficial, so this should not be a problem. Then wash your hands really thoroughly. After a minute or two, you will feel a degree of warmth on the treated area, which may well turn bright pink. If you have been too generous in the amount of cream used, you may end up with e.g. scarlet arms as I did! Most disconcerting, though with no more discomfort than a strong tingling sensation. The cream should be used at least twice a day.

Now that is where my problem is. The cream has a strong, medicinal odour, an odour that can be smelt right across the room. And who wants to go to work smelling, um, rather strong, to put it mildly? Perfume would not conceal this odour. You may, after a short period, became accustomed to the smell, but trust me, everyone else will be able to smell it! Not ideal in my job, where many of the areas in which I work are small, confined spaces.

So has the cream alleviated my muscular pains? Well, affirmative, to a limited extent. But then, I have used three tubes so far! So it has served to alleviate the pains, rather than to remove their cause. My doctor suggested, rather sourly, that I should try taking painkillers instead. Hmm.

Summary
This cream is effective for the relief of short term aches and pains, provided that you do not mind the odour and use it regularly for a sufficient period of time. For longer term problems like mine, the relief is only temporary and further medical advice should be sought.

Additional comment: If your pain persists, you really would be wise to go back to your doctor again, like I did, several times. There could be a 'proper problem' that needs dealing with eg frozen shoulder.

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Summary: Effective for the relief of short term aches and pains.