COUNTERIRRITANT Meaning and
Definition
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A counterirritant is a therapeutic agent or substance that is applied externally to alleviate pain, inflammation, or discomfort by creating a contrasting sensation on the skin or mucous membranes. This contrasting sensation is generally a mild irritation or warmth that distracts the nerves and draws increased blood flow to the area where it is applied.
Counterirritants work by triggering a reflex response in the body which produces a balancing effect on the initial pain or discomfort being experienced. This diversion of attention or sensation is believed to reduce the perception of pain and provide temporary relief. Common counterirritant substances include menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, methyl salicylate, and capsaicin, which are often combined with various creams, ointments, or patches for easy application.
Typically used topically, counterirritants are commonly employed in the treatment of conditions such as minor muscular aches, arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, strains, and bruises. They are used to provide temporary relief rather than addressing the underlying cause of the condition.
Counterirritants should be used as directed and caution should be exercised to avoid applying them to open wounds, broken or damaged skin, or areas near sensitive tissues like the eyes, nose, or mouth. Some individuals may be allergic or hypersensitive to certain counterirritant ingredients, so it is advisable to perform a patch test or consult a healthcare professional before use.
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1. An agent which causes irritation or a mild inflammation of the skin with the object of relieving a deep-seated inflammatory process; a derivative. 2. Relating to or producing counterirritation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for COUNTERIRRITANT
- xounterirritant
- vounterirritant
- founterirritant
- dounterirritant
- ciunterirritant
- ckunterirritant
- clunterirritant
- cpunterirritant
- c0unterirritant
- c9unterirritant
- coynterirritant
- cohnterirritant
- cojnterirritant
- cointerirritant
- co8nterirritant
- co7nterirritant
- coubterirritant
- coumterirritant
- coujterirritant
Etymology of COUNTERIRRITANT
The word "counterirritant" originated in the late 18th century, combining two elements: "counter-" and "irritant".
The prefix "counter-" is derived from the Latin word "contra", meaning "against" or "opposite". It is used to indicate opposition, negation, or contrast. In this case, "counter-" suggests an action performed against something.
The term "irritant" comes from the Latin verb "irritare", which means "to excite", "to stimulate", or "to provoke". In English, it refers to something that causes irritation, inflammation, or an inflammatory response when applied to the body.
Therefore, when combined, "counterirritant" describes a substance or treatment that is applied externally to cause irritation or inflammation in order to counteract or treat a different underlying condition or pain.
Similar spelling words for COUNTERIRRITANT
- conterminous,
- contestant,
- countercurrent,
- counterfeiter,
- counterbalanced,
- counterargument,
- counterwoman,
- counter-drill,
- counterpoint,
- counterÂirritant,
- countertenor,
- counterattack,
- counter tube,
- counterbalance,
- counterinsurgency,
- countersink bit,
- counteroffer,
- counterstrike,
- counterfactuality,
- counterattraction,
- counterblast,
- counterweight,
- counterreformation,
- counterintuitively,
- counterintuitive,
- counterterrorism,
- counterbalancing,
- counteractive,
- counterchange,
- counter-sabotage,
- counteraction,
- counterstain,
- counterfactual.
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