Counterirritant
Encyclopedia
A counterirritant is a substance which creates inflammation
in one location with the goal of lessening the inflammation in another location. They can be used as antipruritic
s. This strategy falls into the more general category of counterstimulation
.
Capsaicin
is an example of a counterirritant.
Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
in one location with the goal of lessening the inflammation in another location. They can be used as antipruritic
Antipruritic
Antipruritics, also known as anti-itch drugs, are medications that inhibit the itching that is often associated with sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites and stings like those from mosquitoes, fleas, and mites, and contact dermatitis and...
s. This strategy falls into the more general category of counterstimulation
Counterstimulation
Counterstimulation is a treatment for pain, based on distraction.A basic example is the practice of rubbing a fresh bruise, so that attention is paid to the sense of touch and pressure, rather than to the pain of the injury...
.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin
Capsaicin 2CHCH=CH4CONHCH2C6H3-4--3- ) is the active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It is an irritant for mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact...
is an example of a counterirritant.