Can You Use Salonpas While Breastfeeding?

Salonpas is a life-saver for those who suffer from muscle soreness. It contains some chemicals to help relieve the pain. But are these compounds safe for breastfeeding mothers? Can you use Salonpas while breastfeeding?

Although there is no proof that Salonpas is unsafe, breastfeeding moms should avoid using it. It would be best to ask your doctor before using the product.

This article will discuss the benefits, effects, and side effects of Salonpas. Let’s read through to project your baby and yourself!

What Is Salonpas?

Salonpas is a pain reliever authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain caused by arthritis or other conditions.

This product is available over-the-counter in different forms, including patches, sprays, gels, liquids, and creams. It contains the active components menthol, tocopheryl acetate, methyl salicylate, and camphor.

Menthol and camphor affect the sensors in the skin that respond to contact, pressure, cold, heat, and pain, and they provide a pleasantly cool sensation.

Some patches contain 4% lidocaine, a potent medication that offers comfort for hours.

You easily find Salonpas products in drugstores, grocery shops, Amazon, and many retailers on the internet.

Uses

Salonpas is popular among home consumers and athletes since it offers temporary pain relief to a sore neck, wrist, shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip.

This method is quick, safe, and cost-effective to receive treatment for some common ailments.

Products

Salonpas come in various forms, the most popular of which are patches, creams, and gels.

You can only apply the patches on your skin. Remember to follow all of the instructions on the product packaging. If you have any concerns, see your doctor.

If you use gel or cream forms, only apply a thin layer to the painful area and rub thoroughly and gently. To prevent contracting the medicine with your hands, you should apply it with a cotton swab or a rubber glove.

Below is a comparison table of active ingredients in Salonpas products.

Is Salonpas Safe for Breastfeeding?

It’s not advisable for breastfeeding mothers to use Salonpas while nursing their children. The ingredients may enter their breast milk. Therefore, the drug facts of the products on the company’s website always recommend consulting a health professional before using them.

Lidocaine given to women during delivery via intrapleural or epidural methods showed no effect on their breastfed infants.

Researchers experimented on 14 nursing moms taking 1% lidocaine. They reported no adverse effects on the babies and believed the treatment was safe while nursing.

Furthermore, no one has researched menthol and methyl salicylate to claim if they are safe for breastfeeding mothers or not. However, this idea remains unclear. As a result, it’s best to be cautious whenever you want to apply the Salonpas patches or cream.

So, can you use Salonpas to treat your pains, especially in the nipple areas?

The best tip is to ask your doctor before using it. He/she will give you advice on what to do in particular cases.

If you want to apply the patches, make sure your baby’s mouth doesn’t touch the affected areas.

How Do You Relieve Pain Without Medicine?

If Salonpas is not entirely safe to use while breastfeeding, what can you use instead? Fortunately, some home remedies can help.

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Mix water and apple cider vinegar.
• After nursing your infant, soak a cotton swab in the mixture and squeeze the excess liquid.
• Dab the swab on your painful areas. The mixture can kill bacteria and keep those areas clean.
• Then, apply some coconut oil to the areas to ensure that they won’t get dry or cracked.

Tea Tree Oil

• Mix lukewarm water and tea tree oil.
• Soak a cloth in the mixture and dab it on your pain.
• Let them dry and rinse with water to treat your sore.

Breast Milk

This method is unique, but your breast milk can be the best treatment for your sores. It contains antibacterial ingredients to heal the pain.

Try to apply the milk to your sore nipples after nursing the baby four to five times a day.

Ice Cubes

Cold rubs can help alleviate your pains. You can use this treatment regularly for the best result.

Fill a cotton towel with ice cubes and slightly press it on your painful areas for around ten minutes.

Olive Oil

• Mix olive oil and tea tree oil in lukewarm water.
• Soak a cotton swab in the mixture and dab it on your pain.
• Let it air dry, then rinse it off with water.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is famous for its calming effects. Cut an aloe vera leaf and scrape out the gel within. Then, apply it lightly to your pains to heal.

Teabags

• Soak the tea bags in hot water.
• Take the bags out and set them aside to cool down.
• Wring the bags to squeeze the excess water.
• Place the bags on your pain.
• Wash the affected areas.

The most vulnerable parts during your breastfeeding must be your nipples. So feed your baby correctly to avoid the pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mothers, especially first-timers, have shown a lot of concern about using Salonpas. Here are some of their frequently asked questions.

1. Who should not use Salonpas?

Although this medication does not necessitate a prescription, it is not suitable for everyone based on your medical history.

Stomach bleeding

There is a danger of stomach bleeding with this medication since it includes methyl salicylate, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) ingredient.

People over the age of 60 and those with a background of bleeding issues or who use blood thinners may encounter more risks.

Skin irritation

Any topical drug, including this one, might irritate your skin. Hence, do not apply it to your wounds, skin damage, or rashes. If you notice any skin irritations, stop using the product.

Allergies

If you are allergic to NSAIDs, aspirin, or other topical medications, do not use this product without first consulting your doctor.

2. What are the side effects of Salonpas patches?

Burning, stinging, and warmth may occur in the application area. If any of these side effects linger or worsen, call your doctor right away.

If you take in the dried remnant from the medicine, you may have coughing, watery eyes, sneezing, or throat discomfort. Take care not to inhale the residue.

Stop using the product and promptly inform your doctor if you have any significant adverse effects, such as blistering or increased discomfort in the application area.

It is rare for this medicine to cause a severe allergic reaction. Nevertheless, get immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the following signs: itching, rash, extreme dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

Please note that the signs listed may not include all the side effects. The situation may vary depending on your health condition.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, keep in mind that he has determined that the benefit outweighs the risk of adverse effects. Ask for your help whenever you notice something unusual.

3. Can you wear a lidocaine patch to bed?

Depending on the instructions, you can leave the patches on your skin for up to 10 to 12 hours. Apply no more than three patches a day, and do not leave them on for longer than specified.

Conclusion

You are better not to use Salonpas while breastfeeding. If your doctor allows, you can apply the patches. However, if something wrong is happening to the application area, stop using the medication and call your doctor.

Instead of choosing this risky method, you can go for safer alternatives. Some ingredients, such as vinegar or even ice cubes, can deal with your pain.

Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!