Counterirritant (Noun)
Meaning
A medicine applied locally to produce superficial inflammation in order to reduce deeper inflammation.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed a counterirritant cream to relieve the patient's muscle soreness.
- Mustard plasters were once used as a counterirritant to treat various aches and pains.
- The ointment was designed to act as a counterirritant, increasing blood flow to the affected area.
- Some arthritis creams contain capsaicin, a natural counterirritant that helps reduce joint pain.
- Historically, poultices were used as counterirritants to treat conditions such as rheumatism and bronchitis.