What's difference between spray pain relievers?

September 6, 2023 8:07 PM

Both sprays are from the same brand. Both sprays have 5% lidocaine. One spray has 1% menthol. What difference does the menthol make? I bought the sprays hoping to relieve nerve pain caused by schwannomas under the skin.
posted by Stuka to Health & Fitness (4 answers total)

Best answer: The menthol spray will add a cooling effect and a minty smell. It likely won't impact the pain at all, but will feel nice.
posted by OrangeDisk at 8:31 PM on September 6, 2023 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Menthol will sting your eyes a bit, so if you'll be getting it on your hands, face, or upper chest, it might not be preferable (think Vicks Vapo-Rub fumes).
posted by nouvelle-personne at 9:21 PM on September 6, 2023

A quick search indicates menthol has analgesic properties (paper). ( I believe it’s also regulated by FDA as such - see section 346.16)
posted by Tandem Affinity at 9:34 PM on September 6, 2023 [3 favorites]

Best answer: (Just a suggestion to consider giving lidocaine patches a try. They've worked really well for my nerve pain.)
posted by scrubjay at 10:10 AM on September 7, 2023