A counter-irritant is a remedy applied to the body externally which relieves a discomfort somewhere else by producing a local irritation. They effect relief by reflex action due to the sensation they impart to the nerves of the skin below. The term is more specifically applied to such irritating substances as, when applied to the skin, redden or blister it, or produce pustules, purulent issues, etc. The commonest traditional counter-irritants were such materials as mustard, turpentine, cantharides or Spanish fly, croton-oil, and the cautery. Research Counter-irritant
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Abbreviations
Medicine
Research Counter-irritant
