counterirritant (redirected from counterirritants)

coun·ter·ir·ri·tant (kountr-îr-tnt)

n.

An agent that induces local inflammation to relieve inflammation in underlying or adjacent tissues.

adj.

Relating to or producing counterirritation.

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counterirritant,

n an irritant that blocks perception of pain by diverting attention to the sensation that it produces.

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counterirritant

1. producing counterirritation.

2. an agent that produces counterirritation. Blistering by application of a paste or liquid containing rubefacient agents such as cantharides or mercuric iodide, and firing, by burning the skin and superficial tissues with a hot iron, were used as counterirritants on the lower limbs of lame horses. Less traumatic measures are more commonly used nowadays.

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counterirritant Any substance applied to the skin–eg, capsaicin-from chili peppers—which, by acting as an irritant on a painful zone, attenuates pain sensation. See Capsaicin.