The heat patch is suitable for the treatment of muscle and joint complaints. Especially for back pain, heat patches are often used medically. By permanently applying heat to the affected skin region, it undergoes gentle but effective healing. The plant-based active ingredients of the heat patch are suitable for the relief of uncomplicated muscle pain or tension, especially in the back area and can often save an unpleasant medical examination.
What is a heat patch?
The heat patch is suitable for the treatment of muscle and joint complaints. Especially for back and neck problems, heat patches are often used medically. Heat patches are special adhesive plasters and are mainly used to relieve back pain in the muscular area. Muscle discomfort, sciatica, rheumatic diseases, tension or a lumbago can be combated by the herbal active ingredients of the heat patch. Due to the 1928 developed composition of the content substances arnica, belladonna and capsaicin, the adhesive plaster was also called ABC – plaster, is in today’s usage, however, rather rarely used, because only the ingredient capsaicin is still used. Heat patches do not require a prescription, are available over-the-counter and therefore for everyone to purchase.
Forms, types and kinds
The healing patches come in many different varieties, but their effects and functioning do not differ much. Among the best known heat plasters are the “Hansaplast ABC – plaster” and the “GothaPlast WärmeMED heat plaster”. Mainly, heat plasters differ in the composition of their ingredients, although the active ingredient capsaicin is applied to all heat plasters.
Structure, function and mode of action
During treatment, the heat patch is placed on the painful region of the skin and can remain on it for between four and twelve hours. The substance capsaicin, which is extracted from dried fruits of cayenne pepper, stimulates the receptors of the skin responsible for the sensation of pain and heat. When applied, there is usually a visible resonance of the skin’s appearance, which manifests itself in an obvious redness. The active ingredient of the heat patch promotes blood circulation in the stimulated skin region and inhibits the pain messenger substance P, which results in the patient feeling less pain. The blood circulation ensures improved oxygen and nutrient supply, which promotes the healing process. A heat patch can be applied to the skin for up to 48 hours before it loses its healing effect. Care should be taken not to apply any other heat through compresses, heating pads or red light during heat patch therapy, as this can irritate the skin and cause undesirable health damage. Furthermore, it should be noted that heat patches should only be reapplied at intervals of at least twelve hours. After applying the new patch, hands should be cleaned. Cutting of heat plasters is not recommended. Since the fiber structure of the plaster is destroyed, the ingredients can get directly onto the skin if necessary. In children, this can even lead to poisoning under certain circumstances. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that heat patches are not applied to open wounds or come into contact with mucous membranes. This can result in serious inflammation. An alternative treatment method is offered by heat patches containing iron powder as an active ingredient. This removes oxygen from the surrounding air. The patch uses the reaction heat to warm the affected skin regions. The advantage of this method is that the irritation of the skin is reduced to a minimum.
Medical and health benefits
Heat patches are a good and natural alternative to other therapeutic measures of pain relief. Often, when used correctly, they can reduce the patient’s pain after a short period of time, saving the patient the need for extensive examination and treatment by a doctor. Nevertheless, in the event of serious complaints, patients should not hesitate to consult a specialist who can recommend alternative treatment methods. Information on the respective ingredients of the heat patches can be found in the package insert. Allergic reactions or health side effects are nevertheless not to be expected.Nevertheless, in case of hypersensitivity to capsicum or known sensitivity to capsaicin, the use of the heat patch should be avoided. The application of sticking plasters or heat patches is quick and uncomplicated and can also be used as an additional means within the framework of therapeutic and preventive measures.
