Some of the most common ingredients in nonprescription topical analgesics are:
- Counterirritants. Ingredients such as menthol create a burning or cooling sensation that distracts your mind from the pain.
- Salicylates. These same ingredients that give aspirin its pain-relieving quality are found in some creams.
- Capsaicin. The main ingredient of hot chili peppers, it can be helpful for joint pain and for diabetic nerve pain.