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Menthol concentration in topical cold gel does not have significant effect on skin cooling
R Lasanen1,2, P Julkunen1,3, O Airaksinen2
1Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
Summary
Menthol gels reduce skin temperature, but concentration doesn't significantly impact cooling. A moderate 4.6% menthol concentration provided the strongest cooling sensation in a study of topical pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Topical menthol gels are widely used for pain management.
- The precise relationship between menthol concentration and its effects on skin cooling and perceived sensation remains unclear.
- This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of menthol on thermoreception and skin temperature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if increasing menthol concentration in topical gels enhances skin cooling.
- To assess the impact of varying menthol concentrations on the subjective cooling sensation experienced by users.
- To investigate the correlation between menthol concentration and objective skin temperature changes.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy male volunteers participated in a randomized controlled trial.
- Three menthol gels (0.5%, 4.6%, 10.0%) were applied to the thigh.
- Skin cooling was measured using infrared thermography, and cooling sensation was quantified via visual analogue scale.
Main Results:
- All tested menthol concentrations significantly reduced skin temperature for at least one hour.
- No significant correlation was found between menthol concentration and the extent of skin cooling.
- A 4.6% menthol concentration elicited a significantly stronger cooling sensation compared to 0.5% and 10.0% concentrations.
- Menthol gel application did not affect the temperature of surrounding skin areas.
Conclusions:
- Menthol concentration does not directly correlate with the degree of skin cooling.
- A moderate menthol concentration (4.6%) may optimize the subjective cooling sensation.
- Findings suggest a non-linear relationship between menthol concentration and sensory perception of cooling.
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