Arthritis Osteoarthritis Living With Using Icy Hot for Muscle Pain Product variations and how they work By Carol Eustice Carol Eustice LinkedIn Twitter Carol Eustice is a writer who covers arthritis and chronic illness. She is the author of "The Everything Health Guide to Arthritis." Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 01, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by David Ozeri, MD Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD LinkedIn David Ozeri, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist from Tel Aviv, Israel specializing in arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and biologic therapies. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Icy Hot is a brand of topical pain relievers. That means they're applied to the skin. Icy Hot has 14 products with various formulations. This article looks at the uses of Icy Hot, precautions to take, the different products, and how they're used. IAN HOOTON / Getty Images Uses The active ingredients in Icy Hot products are: Menthol alone Menthol and methyl salicylate Menthol and camphor Menthol and lidocaine (a topical anesthetic) They're for external use only. The ingredients cause a cool sensation followed by warmth. So first it's "icy," then it's "hot." The manufacturer recommends Icy Hot products for: Minor arthritis pain Simple backache Muscle soreness Strains and sprains Bruises Cramps Few studies have investigated the effect of pain patches like Icy Hot's. Most of them have been of poor quality. How Topical Creams Can Relieve Pain Recap Icy Hot is a topical pain reliever that comes in several forms. They all contain menthol. Some contain other ingredients, such as camphor and lidocaine. The maker recommends them for minor pain from several sources. Before Using Always follow the instructions on the label of Icy Hot products. Each product has its own instructions. Some forms are stronger than others. All Icy Hot products say they're for adults. They shouldn't be used by children under 12 unless approved by a healthcare provider. Precautions The warnings on Icy Hot labels say: Use only as directed. Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes. Do not apply to wounds or irritated, broken, or damaged skin. Do not bandage tightly or use with a heating pad. If you're prone to aspirin or salicylate allergies, ask a doctor before using products containing methyl salicylate. Do not apply to skin folds. Do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight or heat. Stop use right away if you have a severe burning sensation. FDA Warning The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that topical pain relievers may cause first-to-third degree chemical burns. This applies to topical pain relievers—creams, ointments, lotions, and patches—including menthol, methyl salicylate, lidocaine, or capsaicin. Formulations and Dosages You can buy a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) products under the Icy Hot brand. They include: PatchesSleevesBalmsRoll-onsDry spraysGelsCreams They come in various strengths and combinations of ingredients. Icy Hot Back Patch Icy Hot offers three patches: the Icy Hot Back Patch, Advanced Relief Patch, and Lidocaine Patch. They all have medication on an adhesive pad. But they have different ingredients, strengths, and instructions. Icy Hot Back Patch Contains 5% menthol.Comes in regular and extra-large (XL) sizes.Apply to your back or other large areas.Wear for up to eight hours.Repeat up to three times daily. Icy Hot Advanced Relief Patch Contains 7.5% menthol.Wear for up to 12 hours.Use only one per day. Icy Hot Lidocaine Patch Contains 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol.Wear for up to 12 hours.Use only one at a time. Salonpas: OTC Pain Patches Icy Hot Sleeve The Icy Hot Sleeve comes in one form and dosage. Contains 16% menthol lotion on a flexible sleeve pad.Fits anything between 8 inches and 24 inches in circumference.Generally used for ankle, elbow, and knee joints.Use for up to eight hours.Use up to three per day. Follow the directions for applying the sleeve correctly. Icy Hot Balm Icy Hot Balm is an "extra strength" product. The dosages are higher than other Icy Hot products. Contains 7.6% menthol and 29% methyl salicylate.Apply to the affected area and massage until it's absorbed.Repeat up to four times daily. The balm is available in a 3.5-ounce jar. Icy Hot No Mess Two forms of Icy Hot No Mess come in a roll-on applicator. They're quick-drying and don't stain. Icy Hot No Mess Contains 16% menthol. Apply to the affected area and massage in. Repeat up to four times a day. Icy Hot Lidocaine No Mess Contains 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol. Apply to the affected area every six to eight hours. Use up to three times daily. The no-mess products come in a 2.5-ounce bottle. Topical Relief for Muscle Pain Icy Hot Dry Spray Icy Hot Dry Spray comes in two formulations. It's in a continuous spray bottle and dries quickly. These products don't need to be massaged in. Icy Hot Dry Spray Contains 16% menthol. Use up to three or four times daily. Icy Hot Lidocaine Dry Spray Contains 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol. Apply every six to eight hours. Use up to three times daily. These products are extremely flammable. Do not use them when smoking or near heat or a flame. Read their labels for further instructions. Icy Hot Gels Two Icy Hot gels formulations are available. Icy Hot Power Gel Contains 16% menthol.Fast-acting, quick-drying formula.Apply to the affected area and massage in.Repeat up to three or four times a day. Icy Hot Vanishing Scent Gel Icy Hot Vanishing Scent comes in a 2.5-ounce tube with a sponge-top applicator. Contains 2.5% menthol. Squeezed onto the affected area. Use the sponge applicator to massage in until absorbed.Repeat up to four times a day. The scent disappears quickly after application. Icy Hot Cream Icy Hot Cream is a non-greasy formulation that works immediately on contact. It comes in three versions. Icy Hot Cream Contains 10% menthol and 30% methyl salicylate.Available in 1.25-ounce and 3-ounce tubes.Apply and massage in.Repeat up to four times a day. Icy Hot Advanced Cream Contains 11% camphor and 16% menthol. Available in a 2-ounce tube.Apply and massage in.Repeat up to four times a day. Icy Hot Lidocaine Cream Contains 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol. Available in 1.75-ounce and 2.7-ounce tubes. Topical Creams For Neuropathy Summary Icy Hot is a topical pain reliever that comes in multiple strengths, formulations, and combinations of ingredients. Each type is applied differently. Follow the instructions on the product label. FORM DOSAGE INGREDIENTS HOW OFTEN Back Patch 5% Menthol Up to 8 hours each, up to 3 patches per day Advanced Relief Patch 7.5% Menthol Up to 12 hours each, one only per day Lidocaine Patch 4%1% LidocaineMenthol Up to 12 hours each, only one at a time Sleeve 16% Menthol Up to 8 hours each, up to 3 sleeves per day Balm 7.6%29% MentholMethyl salicylate Use up to 4 times per day No Mess Roll-On 16% Menthol Use up to 4 times per day Lidocaine No Mess Roll-On 4%1% LidocaineMenthol Use up to 3 times per day, every 6-8 hours Dry Spray 16% Menthol Use up to 4 times per day Lidocaine Dry Spray 4%1% LidocaineMenthol Use up to 3 times per day, every 6-8 hours Power Gel 16% Menthol Use up to 4 times per day Vanishing Scent Gel 2.5% Menthol Use up to 4 times per day Cream 10%30% MentholMethyl salicylate Use up to 4 times per day Advanced Cream 11%16% CamphorMenthol Use up to 4 times per day Lidocaine Cream 4%1% LidocaineMenthol Use up to 4 times per day A Word From Verywell Icy Hot products may change or become unavailable at any time. New products may also become available. Some store brands are similar to Icy Hot. That includes Walgreen's store brand Cool N Heat products. Compare those products for price and ingredients. Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying new medicinal products. Possible concerns include allergies and sensitivities, drug interactions, and effects on other health conditions. Frequently Asked Questions How can you treat a chemical burn from Icy Hot? The best way to treat a chemical burn is to remove the medicine by flushing the area with cool water for 15 minutes. Then wrap the burn with a sterile bandage to protect it. Does Icy Hot help with inflammation? No, Icy Hot does not reduce inflammation. It works by creating cool and warm sensations on the skin that essentially "drown out" the pain. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn tips for managing arthrits pain, medications, and daily challenges. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lisi DM. OTC transdermal analgesic patches in pain management. US Pharmacist. 2019;44(3):15-21. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA drug safety communication: Rare cases of serious burns with the use of over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers. University of Florida Health. Chemical burn or reaction. Atlantic Brain and Spine. Is Icy Hot effective at relieving back pain? Additional Reading Sanofi Consumer Healthcare. Icy Hot. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies