Local Changes of Skin Characteristics After an Application of a Topical Product With a Warming or Cooling Effect

The use of topical over-the-counter (OTC) products with a warming or cooling effect is widespread in the fields of sport, physiotherapy and in private households. Advertisements for such products promise pain relief when suffering from musculoskeletal disorders such as muscle tension, rheumatism or acute injuries, e.g. sprains. In literature, there are only little information about the efficacy and the physiological mechanisms of topical warming or cooling products. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the local skin characteristics during and after an application of a topical product with a warming or cooling effect.

Inclusion Criteria: * no existing musculoskeletal disorders in the region of interest * no surgery in the region of interest in the last year * healthy skin conditions in the region of interest Exclusion Criteria: * fear of treatment * regular intake of drugs, excluding contraceptives * metal implants in the region between C7 and sacrum, including hip joints * lack of epicritic and protopathic skin sensitivity * renal insufficiency * bronchial asthma * pregnancy/lactation * type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus * polyneuropathy