What is rub rub ointment used for?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to product information from pharmacies, rub rub ointment is typically used to relieve minor aches and pains associated with muscles and joints. This topical analgesic contains counterirritants that provide a soothing sensation and help distract the brain from feeling pain.

Quick Summary

Rub rub ointment is a topical medication used for temporary relief of minor muscle aches, joint pain, strains, and sprains. It contains counterirritant ingredients that create a cooling or warming effect on the skin to help mask the deeper pain.

Key Points

Counterirritant Action: Rub rub ointment and similar products work as counterirritants, creating a cooling and/or warming sensation to distract from deeper muscle and joint pain.
Common Ingredients: Common active ingredients include oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate), menthol, and eucalyptus oil, which provide their signature sensations.
Relieves Minor Aches: It is used for temporary relief of minor aches associated with backaches, strains, sprains, and arthritis.
Avoid Specific Areas: Do not apply to broken skin, mucous membranes, or use with external heat, as this can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Pregnancy and Children: Certain ingredients, particularly methyl salicylate and camphor, can be harmful to children and pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Distraction vs. Cure: These topical rubs provide temporary relief by masking pain, but they do not address the underlying cause of the pain.

What are the uses of rub rub ointment?

Rub rub ointment is a topical analgesic designed for external application to the skin to provide temporary relief from various types of minor musculoskeletal pain. While specific formulations may vary, a common version available from sources like the Dis-Chem pharmacy in South Africa indicates its primary purpose is to address several conditions. Based on this, the main indications for rub rub ointment include:

Lower backache: For everyday soreness or discomfort in the lower back region.
Muscle sprains and strains: To help alleviate the pain and swelling that often accompanies minor muscle injuries.
Inflamed and painful joints: Provides soothing relief for joints affected by pain and inflammation.
Wrist and ankle pain: Specifically targeted for discomfort in these common joint areas.
Minor arthritis pain: Can offer temporary relief for the aches associated with arthritis.

The mechanism of action for topical rubs

The effectiveness of rub rub ointment and similar topical analgesics comes from their active ingredients, which act as counterirritants. Instead of blocking pain at its source, these substances create a different sensation—either cooling or warming—on the skin. This feeling distracts the nerves and brain, effectively masking the sensation of the deeper, underlying pain.

For example, menthol is a counterirritant that works by stimulating cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, producing a cooling sensation. Oil of wintergreen, also known as methyl salicylate, provides a warming sensation by increasing blood flow to the area, similar to how aspirin works. This dual-action of cooling and warming helps desensitize the nerve endings, reducing pain perception.

Active ingredients and safety precautions

Common active ingredients found in rub rub ointment and other topical muscle rubs include:

Oil of wintergreen (Methyl Salicylate): A counterirritant that provides a warming sensation and is related to aspirin.
Menthol: A compound from mint plants that creates a cooling sensation.
Turpentine oil: Used for its counterirritant properties to produce a warming effect.
Eucalyptus oil: Contains soothing properties and is also used as a counterirritant.
Camphor: Some topical muscle rubs also contain camphor, which acts as a topical analgesic.

Application and safety guidelines

To ensure safe and effective use, it is crucial to follow the application instructions on the product label. General guidelines typically include:

Applying a thin film of ointment to the affected area.
Spreading it evenly and massaging until absorbed.
Avoiding contact with eyes, mouth, nose, and other mucous membranes.
Not applying to damaged, irritated, or broken skin.
Avoiding tight bandages over the treated area.
Never applying external heat, such as a heating pad, to the area after applying the ointment, as this can increase absorption and risk of injury.

Use during pregnancy and in children

Pregnancy: The use of topical products containing salicylates, like methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), should be avoided during the third trimester of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a doctor, as it could pose risks to the unborn baby. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any new medication while pregnant.
Children: Products with ingredients like menthol and camphor can be unsafe for very young children. The specific age restrictions vary depending on the product and its concentration. For example, Vicks VapoRub is not recommended for children under two years old. Parents and caregivers should always check the label for age recommendations and consult a doctor before use.

Comparison of rub rub ointment and other topical pain relievers


Feature	Rub Rub Ointment	NSAID Gels (e.g., Voltaren)	Capsaicin Cream	Lidocaine Cream (e.g., Aspercreme)
Mechanism	Counterirritant (cooling/warming) to distract from pain	Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving	Stimulates nerve endings to deplete substance P (pain transmitter)	Local anesthetic, numbs nerve endings
Primary Use	Minor aches, strains, sprains, joint pain	Joint and muscle pain, arthritis	Mild to moderate arthritis, nerve pain	Localized nerve pain, temporary numbing
Onset of Action	Typically works instantly with cooling/warming sensation	Takes time for anti-inflammatory effect; can offer quicker relief for some	May take several days or weeks of regular use	Works relatively quickly to numb the area
Sensation	Cooling followed by warming	Minimal to no sensation on the skin	Burning or stinging sensation	Numbing sensation
Side Effects	Skin irritation, redness, rare allergic reactions	Skin irritation, risk of systemic side effects with high use	Intense burning sensation, skin irritation	Numbness, mild skin irritation
Best for	Quick, superficial relief of muscle and joint pain	Localized arthritis pain, deeper inflammation	Chronic nerve pain, if tolerated	Situational nerve-related or contact pain

Potential side effects and when to see a doctor

While topical pain rubs are generally safe for external use, side effects can occur. Mild side effects include redness, irritation, or warmth at the application site. However, more serious side effects can indicate an allergic reaction or improper use.

Stop using the product and consult a doctor if you experience:

Blistering, swelling, or severe redness at the application site.
Increased or unusual pain in the treated area.
Symptoms that persist for more than seven days or worsen.
Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as a rash, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Nausea, vomiting, or ringing in the ears, which can be signs of salicylate toxicity.

Conclusion

Rub rub ointment serves as an effective, temporary solution for addressing minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, including backaches, sprains, and arthritis. By utilizing counterirritants like menthol and methyl salicylate, it creates a distracting sensation on the skin to help mask the feeling of deeper discomfort. Though generally safe when used as directed, users must adhere to specific safety precautions, such as avoiding application to broken skin, and individuals who are pregnant or treating young children must exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider. Understanding the product's mechanism of action and its appropriate use ensures it remains a beneficial tool for managing minor musculoskeletal pain.

An authoritative source for medication information is the Mayo Clinic, which offers details on the active ingredients found in many muscle rubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of rub rub ointment is to provide temporary relief for minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, such as those caused by strains, sprains, or backache.

The ointment contains counterirritants like menthol and methyl salicylate. These ingredients create a cooling or warming sensation on the skin, which distracts the brain from the deeper pain signals.

Possible side effects include mild skin irritation, redness, or a warm sensation at the application site. More severe reactions, such as blistering or swelling, are rare but require immediate medical attention.

The safety of rub rub ointment for children depends on its specific active ingredients and the child's age. Products containing camphor or methyl salicylate are often not recommended for young children, especially those under two years old. It is best to consult a doctor before use.

No, products containing methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) should be avoided, especially in the third trimester, due to potential risks. Always check with a healthcare provider before using any topical pain relief product while pregnant.

No, you should never apply external heat from a heating pad or other device to an area treated with rub rub ointment. The combination can cause skin burns or other adverse reactions.

Application instructions vary by product, but a common recommendation is to apply to the affected area not more than three to four times daily. Always follow the specific directions on the label.