4 things to avoid when using medicated oil.

Menthol oil is a very common item in the medicine cabinet of every Vietnamese family. Many people regularly use it for rubbing, inhaling, steaming, and adding to bathwater, but there are some people who absolutely should not use it.

The main components of medicated oil are essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, basil, cinnamon, tea tree, etc.) and extracts from essential oils (menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor, etc.).

According to traditional medicine, medicated oil helps induce sweating, relieve pain, reduce coughs, and disinfect; it is very effective in treating common ailments such as colds, flu, headaches, runny noses, joint pain, muscle pain, bloating, indigestion, nerve pain, insect bites, etc.

Doctors at the Vietnam-Sweden Uong Bi Hospital ( Quang Ninh province ) stated that although it is an over-the-counter product, medicated oil is regulated like other medications. When used improperly or in excessive doses, medicated oil can cause serious adverse effects.

- Skin irritation: mainly due to methyl salicylate in medicated oils. This active ingredient belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is often combined with other essential oils in medicated oils to quickly warm the skin area where the oil is applied, helping to relieve pain, numbness, and muscle aches. However, if used in large quantities, methyl salicylate can cause blistering and damage the mucous membranes of the respiratory system.

When used improperly or in excessive doses, medicated oil can cause adverse effects.

- Respiratory system damage: This is common when using medicated oils containing menthol, an active ingredient extracted from peppermint oil, which can inhibit respiration and circulation.

- Poisoning: This mainly occurs in children under 24 months old, because the medicated oil contains camphor, a toxic substance for children. If used incorrectly, excessive absorption of medicated oil through open wounds, scratched skin, or ingestion of about 1g can cause respiratory damage, even respiratory arrest.

- Causes hypothermia: The components in medicated oil evaporate very quickly, causing local numbness and a cooling sensation when applied to the skin. Using too much medicated oil can have the side effect of increasing sweat secretion, which can easily lead to hypothermia.

Symptoms and treatment of medicated oil poisoning.

Depending on the amount of medicated oil used, symptoms of poisoning can vary and may appear 5-90 minutes after use. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and burning sensation in the mouth; more severe cases may involve convulsions, difficulty breathing, and coma. Patients should be taken to the nearest medical facility if they experience any unusual symptoms or suspect poisoning after using medicated oil.

4 things to avoid when using medicated oil.

- Not suitable for the following groups: Children under 24 months old, especially infants; pregnant or breastfeeding women.

- Do not apply medicated oil to mucous membranes, the eye area, or to open wounds or scratched skin.

- Do not use more than 3-4 times a day.

- Absolutely do not drink it as it can easily cause poisoning; only use medicated oil externally.

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Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/4-khong-khi-dung-dau-gio-2518989.html