Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesIngredientsBefore UsingFormulations and Dosages
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Ingredients
Before Using
Formulations and Dosages
Icy Hot causes the skin to feel cool and then warm with active ingredients like menthol and methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil). These ingredients simultaneously stimulate nerve receptors in the skin and block pain signals to the brain, dulling minor aches and pain. Some formulations also contain lidocaine.
Icy Hot’s cooling and warming sensations kick in immediately when applied to the skin. Depending on the formulation and the severity of your pain, the pain relief can last anywhere from a few hours to up to 12.
IAN HOOTON / Getty Images
Icy Hottopical pain relieversuse counterirritants, which act on pain receptors to dull minor aches and pains.Conditions Icy Hot products may help with pain relief include:
Icy Hot may work forneuropathic pain. However, there is weak evidence to support this claim. Icy Hot may provide pain relief via counterirritation for inflammatory conditions, but it does not reduce inflammation.
The active ingredients in Icy Hot vary from product to product. Some common compounds include:
Few studies have investigated the effect of pain patches like Icy Hot’s. Most of them have been of poor quality.
A prior version of Icy Hot contained capsaicin. This line of products has been discontinued in the United States.
Before Using Icy Hot
Always follow the instructions on the label of Icy Hot products. Each product has its own instructions. Some forms are stronger than others.
Precautions
To use Icy Hot safely:
If you experience significant burning with any Icy Hot products, stop using the product immediately and flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes. Then, wrap the burn with a sterile bandage to protect it.
FDA WarningTopical pain relievers may causefirst-to-third-degree chemical burns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns.This applies to topical pain relievers—creams, ointments, lotions, and patches—including menthol, methyl salicylate, lidocaine, or capsaicin.
FDA Warning
Topical pain relievers may causefirst-to-third-degree chemical burns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns.This applies to topical pain relievers—creams, ointments, lotions, and patches—including menthol, methyl salicylate, lidocaine, or capsaicin.
You can buy a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) products under the Icy Hot brand. They include:
These products come in various strengths and combinations of ingredients.
Icy Hot Back Patch
Icy Hot offers three patches: Icy Hot Back Patch, Advanced Relief Patch, and Lidocaine Patch.
They all have medication on an adhesive pad. But they each have different ingredients, strengths, and instructions.
Icy Hot Advanced Relief Patch
Icy Hot Lidocaine Patch
Icy Hot Sleeve
The Icy Hot Sleeve comes in one form and dosage.
Icy Hot Balm
Icy Hot Balm is an “extra strength” product. The dosages are higher than other Icy Hot products.
The balm is available in a 3.5-ounce jar.
Icy Hot No Mess
Three forms of Icy Hot No Mess come in a roll-on applicator. They’re quick-drying and don’t stain.
Icy Hot Lidocaine No Mess
Icy Hot PRO No Mess
The no-mess products come in a 2.5-ounce bottle.
Icy Hot Dry Spray
Icy Hot Dry Spray comes in three formulations. It’s in a continuous spray bottle and dries quickly. These products don’t need to be massaged into the skin.
Icy Hot Lidocaine Dry Spray
Icy Hot PRO Dry Spray
These products are extremely flammable. Do not use them when smoking or near heat or a flame. Read their labels for further instructions.
Icy Hot Gels
Two Icy Hot Gel formulations are available.
Icy Hot Power Gel
Icy Hot Vanishing Scent Gel
Icy Hot Vanishing Scent comes in a 2.5-ounce tube with a sponge-top applicator.
The scent disappears quickly after application.
Icy Hot Cream
Icy Hot creamis a non-greasy formulation that works immediately on contact. It comes in four versions:
Icy Hot Advanced Cream
Icy Hot Lidocaine Cream
Icy Hot PRO Cream
Summary
Icy Hot is a topical pain reliever that comes in multiple strengths, formulations, and combinations of ingredients. Some store brands are similar to Icy Hot, such as Walgreens’s store brand Cool N Heat products. Pricing and ingredients may differ between brands and products. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.
Talk to your healthcare provider before trying new medicinal products. Possible concerns include allergies and sensitivities, drug interactions, and effects on other health conditions.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Kalso EA, et al.Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults ‐ an overview of Cochrane Reviews.The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;2017(5):CD008609.Lisi DM.OTC transdermal analgesic patches in pain management.US Pharmacist. 2019;44(3):15-21.MedlinePlus.Chemical burn or reaction.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Rare cases of serious burns with the use of over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers.Additional ReadingSanofi Consumer Healthcare.Icy Hot.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Kalso EA, et al.Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults ‐ an overview of Cochrane Reviews.The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;2017(5):CD008609.Lisi DM.OTC transdermal analgesic patches in pain management.US Pharmacist. 2019;44(3):15-21.MedlinePlus.Chemical burn or reaction.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Rare cases of serious burns with the use of over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers.Additional ReadingSanofi Consumer Healthcare.Icy Hot.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Kalso EA, et al.Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults ‐ an overview of Cochrane Reviews.The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;2017(5):CD008609.Lisi DM.OTC transdermal analgesic patches in pain management.US Pharmacist. 2019;44(3):15-21.MedlinePlus.Chemical burn or reaction.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Rare cases of serious burns with the use of over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers.
Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Kalso EA, et al.Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults ‐ an overview of Cochrane Reviews.The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;2017(5):CD008609.
Lisi DM.OTC transdermal analgesic patches in pain management.US Pharmacist. 2019;44(3):15-21.
MedlinePlus.Chemical burn or reaction.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Rare cases of serious burns with the use of over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers.
Sanofi Consumer Healthcare.Icy Hot.
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