Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 8, 2013 Show
Personal Use: Having suffered from neck, shoulder, mid and lower back pain, I used to have used these patches almost everywhere. I also recently sprained my thumb and trimmed one of these patches and wrapped it around my thumb and palm. These are awesome for bursitis. tendonitis, strains, sprains, and any muscle tenderness or tightness. I use these several times a week, mainly on my neck/shoulders, due to tightness from sitting in front of a pc for 10 hrs a day. I can wear them under clothes to work, or under PJs at night. And they last anywhere from 8-12 hours and stay in place. They work amazingly and consistently. I would probably be popping pain meds weekly if it werent for these life-savers. Downside(if any): Unless youve had the patch on for 8-10 hours, do not shower with hot water for an hour after wearing these. Your skin will feel like its on fire. Same with sweating. If you work out after work, take it off after lunch. If you work out in the morning, give yourself an hour before you work out. Also, they are super sticky. If you leave it on for at least 4 -5 hours,. they are easier to take off. Regardless of these two things, which i consider minor because of how great they work, i wouldnt trade them for anything and will continue to use 3-5 a week. Ingredients: Active ingredient is Menthol 5% Price: Amazon has the best price I have found so far, and becomes even better when you get on Sub&Save. Highly recommend! Given how Icy Hot works, this topical, over-the-counter pain reliever is well-named. 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. Icy Hot's cooling/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 for anywhere from a few hours to up to 12. This article explains how Icy Hot works and what conditions it can help treat. It also describes the different Icy Hot formulations, including how it is applied and the possible risks. Icy Hot UsesIcy Hot topical pain relievers use counterirritants, which act on pain receptors to dull minor aches and pains. Icy Hot products are approved for:
Icy Hot IngredientsThe active ingredients in Icy Hot vary from product to product. Some common compounds include:
Icy Hot is for external use only. The ingredients cause a cool sensation followed by warmth. So first it's "icy," then it's "hot." Few studies have investigated the effect of pain patches like Icy Hot's. Most of them have been of poor quality. Before Using Icy HotAlways follow the instructions on the label of Icy Hot products. Each product has its own instructions. Some forms are stronger than others. All Icy Hot products say they're for adults. They shouldn't be used by children under 12 unless a healthcare provider approves. PrecautionsThe warnings on Icy Hot labels say:
FDA WarningTopical pain relievers may cause first-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. Icy Hot Formulations and DosagesYou can buy a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) products under the Icy Hot brand. They include:
They come in various strengths and combinations of ingredients. Icy Hot Back PatchIcy Hot offers three patches: the Icy Hot Back Patch, Advanced Relief Patch, and Lidocaine Patch. They all have medication on an adhesive pad. But they have different ingredients, strengths, and instructions. Icy Hot Back Patch
Icy Hot Advanced Relief Patch
Icy Hot Lidocaine Patch
Icy Hot SleeveThe Icy Hot Sleeve comes in one form and dosage.
Follow the directions for applying the sleeve correctly. Icy Hot BalmIcy 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 MessThree forms of Icy Hot No Mess come in a roll-on applicator. They're quick-drying and don't stain. Icy Hot No Mess
Icy Hot Lidocaine No Mess
Icy Hot PRO No Mess
The no-mess products come in a 2.5-ounce bottle. Icy Hot Dry SprayIcy 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 Dry Spray
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 GelsTwo Icy Hot gels 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 CreamIcy Hot Cream is a non-greasy formulation that works immediately on contact. It comes in four versions. Icy Hot Cream
Icy Hot Advanced Cream
Icy Hot Lidocaine Cream
Icy Hot PRO Cream
SummaryIcy Hot is a topical pain reliever that comes in multiple strengths, formulations, and combinations of ingredients. Each type is applied differently. Follow the instructions on the product label.
A Word From VerywellIcy Hot products may change or become unavailable at any time. New products may also become available. Some store brands are similar to Icy Hot. That includes Walgreen's store brand Cool N Heat products. Compare those products for price and ingredients. Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying new medicinal products. Possible concerns include allergies and sensitivities, drug interactions, and effects on other health conditions. Frequently Asked Questions
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Additional Reading
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Carol Eustice Thanks for your feedback! How long should Icy Hot be on for?For adults and children over 12 years, apply one Icy Hot® Back Patch to the affected area for up to 8 hours. Repeat as necessary, but do not use more than 3 to 4 times daily.
Can you put too much Icy Hot on?Applying too much Icy Hot with Capsaicin to the skin can cause severe burning or redness.
Can you sleep with Icy Hot?(The label warns against using Icy Hot for more than eight hours in any 24-hour period.) Get a head start on the morning's top stories. Other warnings advise against using the product while sleeping, or on thin, damaged skin or open wounds.
When does Icy Hot stop burning?Other side effects of Icy Hot Roll
Skin irritation. Burning or stinging feeling. Most of the time, this will go away after a few days.
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