It is known that many medicines are contraindicated during pregnancy. Therefore, at the very first symptoms of a cold or any other disease, many questions arise about what to treat.
The use of pepper plaster is quite common, so it is worth understanding how it works and what contraindications exist for pregnant women.
Pepper plaster - what is it?
Pepper patch is a simple rubber patch that is impregnated with capsicum extract. The basis for it is cotton or linen fabric, and the sticky layer is rubber glue. The active substance of the patch is capsin, which is contained in the essential oil of pepper. Substances from the patch do not enter the bloodstream, but act only at the local level. Capsin has a local irritant (hence, anesthetic) and warming effect on the skin. Due to this, blood circulation is stimulated at the site of application of the patch.
Applying pepper plaster
Due to all its effects, it is widely used in the treatment of various ailments. It is beneficial to warm up the chest and back with a cold. You can also relieve a runny nose and cough. With pain in the back and joints, it distracts from the focus of inflammation, thereby, anesthesia occurs. Moneuritis, neuralgia, painful muscle spasms are also indications for the use of pepper plaster.
The pepper plaster should be glued to the previously prepared surface. The skin area is washed and degreased for better adhesion to the patch.
Contraindications
There are very few contraindications to use, so this patch can be used by almost everyone. Contraindications:
- individual intolerance (it happens very rarely);
- young children, about 1-2 years old, should not be used, since they have very sensitive skin, the likelihood of getting a burn is high;
- damage to the skin at the site of application;
- some skin diseases.
Is pregnancy a contraindication?
There is no consensus regarding the use of pepper plaster during pregnancy. Substances do not penetrate the bloodstream, so you should not be afraid of this. Only a warming effect can bring harm. During pregnancy, it is possible to use a patch, but not in the lumbar region, since increased blood circulation and an increase in temperature can provoke a miscarriage. And if there is already a threat of miscarriage, it is better to do with other means.
Today, there are many alternatives, such as the Nanoplast and Ketonal Thermo anesthetic plaster.
During pregnancy, it is better not to take risks and not use everything that can harm the course of pregnancy, without special indications. But if other means do not help and you cannot do without the use of a pepper plaster, then it is possible, but only after the permission of the attending physician and subject to all safety measures.
