"Eco-assessment of Pain Relievers: Eight Products Fall Short"
In the latest issue of Öko-Test (8/25), 20 pain creams and gels were put to the test to determine their effectiveness and safety. The results were revealing, with five creams receiving the top rating of "very good".
Among these top-rated creams, one contained the active ingredient Piroxicam, a known NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). Three others contained Ibuprofen, and one contained Felbinac, all part of the same NSAID family.
However, it's important to note that the specific creams with these NSAIDs that were tested and rated highly are not specified in the Öko-Test issue 8/25. For a comprehensive list, one would need to refer to the original source or a dedicated review summarizing that test.
While NSAIDs are known for providing significant pain relief for acute conditions such as sprains, strains, or overuse injuries, some concerns about their use in pain creams were raised. For instance, there is insufficient evidence that Camphor, an active ingredient in six of the eight creams that failed the test, helps with pain and inflammation in pain creams.
On the other hand, Diclofenac, a common active ingredient in pain creams, is well-documented for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. However, Diclofenac poses an environmental issue as it can enter waterways via wastewater. It's also harmful to aquatic plants, algae, and fish, and its use in creams should be handled with care. If using creams with Diclofenac, it's best not to wash hands immediately, but to wipe off residue with a paper towel first. The towel should not be flushed down the toilet, but disposed of in the regular trash.
Arnica, a popular ingredient in pain creams, also did not show convincing evidence of effectiveness in the test. Moreover, Salicylic acid, found in one of the failing creams, is considered harmful to fertility.
The products were also sent to a lab for testing, and a pharmaceutical chemist evaluated the scientific literature on the active ingredients in the tested products. The overall conclusion was that side effects are rare for these creams, compared to taking tablets with the same active ingredients.
In conclusion, while some active ingredients in pain creams may have concerns, there are safe alternatives available. For the most accurate information, it's recommended to refer to reputable sources like Öko-Test for detailed comparisons and evaluations of pain creams and gels.
In light of the Öko-Test findings, some pain creams with NSAIDs like Piroxicam, Ibuprofen, and Felbinac may provide effective pain relief, but their use in pain creams raises certain concerns. Additionally, when it comes to health-and-wellness, making informed decisions about medical-conditions management can be facilitated by considering scientific research, such as that conducted on the effectiveness and safety of pain creams like those tested by Öko-Test.
