A substance that causes redness of the skin by increasing blood flow to it. Rubefacients are sometimes included in ointments used to relieve muscular aches and pains and work by producing counter-irritation: they stimulate nerve endings to create a superficial feeling of heat or cold, and distract the brain from the deeper muscular pain. Examples include methyl salicylate and menthol.
Rubefacient |
|
|