What is the recommended duration for wearing the patch?

Pain relief patches may ease muscle soreness, but improper use can be harmful.

Pain relief patches can be classified based on the properties of their adhesive base into       water-based patches and oil-based patches. The following section provides an overview of   these two types of medicated patches:

Water-based patches

Water-based medicated patches use a high-water-content hydrogel as the base. They have a soft, gel-like texture, provide a cooling sensation upon application, and are generally gentle  on the skin, making allergic reactions less likely.

Oil-based patches

These patches typically use resin as the adhesive base. They have stronger stickiness and  are usually thinner than water-based patches. Traditionally, most medicated patches belong to this category.

 What is the role of the patch’s adhesive base?

Expert explanation: The active ingredients in a pain relief patch, together with the fabric,       require a gel-like medium during production. This ensures that the medicinal components     adhere firmly to the fabric and can be easily applied to the skin. This medium is known as     the patch’s gel matrix, or “base”.

How  to choose between hot and cold patches?

In daily healthcare, cold therapy is generally recommended for acute injuries such as falls, sprains, or strains. It helps relieve inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain. In contrast,      heat therapy is usually applied for muscle stiffness or chronic fatigue and soreness, mainly   to promote blood circulation and help relax tight muscles.

Differences between Eastern and Western Patch Therspies

Western pain-relief patches often contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),   such as Diclofenac, Indomethacin, or Acetaminophen. A common example is Panadol          pain-relief patches. These patches delier medicine through transdermal absorption to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, and are commonly used for acute sprains, strains, or bruises.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patches typically made with herbal ingredients. Common types found on the market include:

• Cooling patches (e.g., menthol-based herbs) for pain relief
• Warming patches (e.g., ginger-based herbs) to dispel cold
• Patches with wintergreen oil, which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving  properties, such as Wan Ling Gao or Tong Xue Tou Gu Gao

TCM patches often use herbs that promote blood circulation and reduce blood stasis. Although they tend to be milder than Western medicine patches, pregnant women should     still be cautious when using them.

Experts remind us that there are many types of pain-relief patches available on the market. Since muscle soreness or inflammation can arise from different causes, the treatment         methods and medications may be different. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor or   pharmacist before purchasing, and to carefully read the instructions before use in order to  understand the ingredients, purposes, and precautions. This will help achieve the best  therapeutic outcome.

In addition, the analgesic ingredients in pain-relief patches are absorbed into the body through the skin. Therefore, if you have pain in multiple areas, you should avoid using  multiple pain-relief methods at the same time, such as oral medication, patches, topical gels or creams, or applying too many patches at once. This helps prevent excessive drug absorption and reduce the risk of liver and kidney burden.

Consult a pharmacist before purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Carefully read the    package insert and follow the instructions before taking any OTC drugs. If symptoms do not    improve or worsen, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention to      ensure safety and protect your health.

In a special interview, Dr. Guo Kanxin, a traumatic medicine specialist at Jia Xin TCM Clinic, shares her professional insights on TCM patches

How to use the pain-relief patches approriately?

Do not increase the dosage or duration on your own. The pain-relief effect of patch typically lasts 4–6 hours, and the patch should not be applied for more than 6 hours at a time. Avoid using patches on areas with wounds, eczema, ulcers, or other skin  conditions.

When using a patch, avoid covering the skin completely for long periods, as this can prevent proper heat dissipation and may cause redness, warmth, or allergic-like reactions.

If you experience rashes, redness, itching, or signs of an allergic reaction, or if pain  persists  despite continued use, stop using the patch immediately and consult a doctor.

Can the use of herbal pain-relief patches affect  liver or kidney function?

Traditional Herbal pain-relief patches usually contains Chinese medicinal ingredients, such as Ru Xiang(frankincense), Hong Hua(safflower), Mo Yao(myrrh), and Gu Sui Bu   (drynaria rhizome). Since patches are primarily used topically, the active ingredients are absorbed through the skin, resulting in relatively low burden on the liver and kidneys.     However, prolonged or excessive use, or sensitivity to certain ingredients may cause  adverse reactions on the skin. Individuals with liver, kidney, or other health conditions are    advised to consult a doctor before use to ensure safety

When to use the pain-relief patch ?

The duration of pain patch use typically depends on individual needs and daily routines, and it can be applied during the day or at night. However, some patches may produce    strong cooling or heating sensations, or slight tingling. It is recommended to avoid using  them while sleeping to prevent interference with the body’s nighttime recovery.

Can the pain-relief patches be used with other treatment methods?

Pain-relief patches can be used together with physical therapy, massage, or at-home  low-frequency electrotherapy devices. However, if using cold or heat therapy, consider the   patch’s cooling or heating properties to avoid overstimulation and reduce effectiveness. If     you are taking medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or have a history of medical  conditions, it is best to consult your doctor before using a pain-relief patch to prevent  negative reactions.

Dr. Kan-Xin Guo

Experience&Education:

• Post-Baccalaureate Program in Chinese Medicine, China Medical University
• Physician, Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital
• Attending Physician, Gao Tang TCM Clinic
• Deputy Director, Dongfang TCM Clinic at Hemei Branch

Specialties

• Internal Medicine: Common cold, allergic rhinitis, chronic cough, asthma, headache, dizziness, palpitations, autonomic nervous imbalance, sleep disorders, hypertension, diabetes, dermatological conditions, acne, liver, gallbladder, gastrointestinal, and      urinary system diseases.
• Gynecology: Dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, infertility, postpartum care,  leukorrhea, and menopause-related syndromes.
• Pediatrics: Growth and development issues, allergy management, enuresis, adolescent growth regulation.
• Acupuncture & Orthopedics: Muscle and joint pain, sprains, stiff neck, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, sciatica, and post-stroke rehabilitation.
• Special Clinics: Weight management, acupoint embedding therapy, cupping for heatstroke relief.