Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Optimal-Conclusion t1_ivpjsk9 wrote

Reply to comment by heteromer in How do medicines like Aspercreme work to relieve nerve or muscle pain if they are topical and not transdermal? by freakydeku

So my body is a big ole' sponge? What else gets absorbed versus not? Should I be wearing gloves more often than I thought?

24

Zenmedic t1_ivrbm6n wrote

There's a fairly long list of things that can be absorbed through the skin. LSD and THC can both be absorbed, however there is limited systemic intake, so you need a lot, or the right conditions. This is the same for many things.

This is why as a former HazMat Medic, I would always rinse people with cold water. Close the pores, decrease circulation (not because I'm a sadist).

Warm conditions, certain carriers (as mentioned above) as well as general skin condition and thickness of epidermal layer also play a big role.

I was always taught that if you don't know if you should be wearing gloves/suit/respirator....the answer should default to yes.

18

Sharlinator t1_ivsmom8 wrote

Well, I'm sure you have experienced how something like hand lotion is absorbed quite effectively (and indeed that's its whole purpose)!

1

heteromer t1_ivsrbz2 wrote

The epidermis is highly keratinised to prevent systemic absorption. Drugs that absorb systemically in concentrations high enough to exert an effect are quite rare, and the epidermis does quite a good job as a barrier.

1