ScienceDaily (June 16, 2010) — Gels, creams and sprays containing painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, and piroxicam are safe and effective treatments for local pain, according to Cochrane Researchers. A new systematic review they have conducted shows that topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are more effective than placebos for treating short-term pain and have few side effects.
Topical NSAIDs are usually applied as gels, creams or sprays, to the specific areas of the body where pain is felt. In many countries, they are routinely prescribed for local pain relief of mild to moderate pain. Topical NSAIDs are considered to pose less risk of adverse effects than oral drugs of the same type because they are rubbed into the skin and therefore do not reach high concentrations in the blood.