RUBEFACIENT Meaning and
Definition
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A rubefacient is a substance that causes redness or a reddening effect when applied to the skin or mucous membranes. Derived from the Latin word "rubefacere" meaning "to make red," rubefacients are often used topically in medical and cosmetic applications.
Primarily utilized for their ability to stimulate blood flow to the surface of the skin, rubefacients are commonly found in creams, ointments, liniments, or oils. Some of the common ingredients found in rubefacients include menthol, camphor, capsaicin, and methyl salicylate. When applied, these compounds create a warming or tingling sensation and cause the skin to turn visibly red.
Rubefacients are often used in medical practice to provide relief from musculoskeletal and joint pain, as they are thought to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Additionally, they can also serve as counterirritants, diverting attention away from a primary source of pain by creating a secondary, milder discomfort in the area of application.
However, it is important to use rubefacients with caution, as they can potentially cause skin irritation, allergies, or burning sensations. Therefore, individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies should exercise care when using these products. Overall, rubefacients provide a localized warming effect and temporary relief from pain, making them a popular choice for a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis to minor injuries or muscle strains.
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1. Causing a reddening of the skin. 2. A mild counterirritant which reddens the skin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• That which produces redness and heat, when applied to the skin, without blistering.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for RUBEFACIENT
- eubefacient
- dubefacient
- fubefacient
- tubefacient
- 5ubefacient
- 4ubefacient
- rybefacient
- rhbefacient
- rjbefacient
- ribefacient
- r8befacient
- r7befacient
- ruvefacient
- runefacient
- ruhefacient
- rugefacient
- rubwfacient
- rubsfacient
- rubdfacient
Etymology of RUBEFACIENT
The word "rubefacient" is derived from the Latin verb "rubefacere", which can be broken down into two parts: "rubeo", meaning "to be red", and "facere", meaning "to make". In Latin, "rubefacient" referred to something that makes the skin red. From there, it made its way into English, retaining its meaning of an agent that causes redness when applied to the skin.
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