Tape vs. poultice patches, cold vs. warm patches -- how to choose
Pain relief patches fall into two main generations.
First-generation patches use a warming or cooling sensation to soothe mild pain.
Second-generation (NSAID) patches contain anti-inflammatory medicine that absorbs through the skin to reduce swelling and pain. Even with a patch, the medicine is absorbed into the body, so it can burden the stomach and kidneys or trigger an asthma attack.
Patches also come in two forms: tape patches (thin, stay on well) and poultice patches (thick, contain moisture). You choose based on where you need to apply them.
First-generation for mild pain; NSAID patches (second-generation) for pain with inflammation
Cold patches for fresh bruises and sprains; warm patches for chronic shoulder stiffness or back pain
Tape patches for joints (shoulder, elbow, knee); poultice patches for broad areas (back, lower back)
If you have sensitive skin, choose a gentler option like felbinac tape
1. Clean the skin before applying. 2. How often to replace a patch depends on the product (Loxonin Tape and Mohrus Tape once a day; felbinac and similar patches twice a day). 3. Remove before bathing; after bathing, dry skin thoroughly before applying a new patch. 4. Stop using and see a doctor if redness, itching, or blistering occurs. Leaving a patch on too long can cause skin irritation.
Watch out for photosensitivity with Mohrus Tape!
While using Mohrus Tape (ketoprofen), keep the treated area covered with clothing or a supporter to block UV light regardless of the weather (white or thin fabrics let UV through). The same care is needed for at least 4 weeks after you remove the patch, and a reaction can appear anywhere from a few days to several months later. It must not be used by anyone who has had a photosensitivity reaction before, anyone with aspirin-induced asthma, or anyone in late pregnancy. Loxonin Tape has almost no risk of this.