"Head Soothe" stick for headaches ......avoid!

[Ann]

I decided to try a Head Soothe stick for minor headaches instead of taking Paracetemols.
http://www.poundland....ange/a-z/head-soothe/
I had seen one in Poundland and as I had my usual pressure headache up the back of my head which I get when its thundery, I tried it for the first time last night, rubbing the stick on my forehead and on the back of my neck where the headache was, just before going to bed.

I woke up 2 hours later with the most awful burning on my neck just as if it was neat acid on my skin, it was really so painful, it quite scared me. I tried Savlon to calm it but the only relief I got was holding a wet flannel against my neck. It didn't mark my skin though, and no further trouble today thank goodness.

I looked at the ingredients and all it says on the box (no instruction leaflet inside) is "Propylene Glycol, Aqua, Sodium Stearate, Menthol. It seems pretty dangerous to me if it reacts on the skin in this way causing tremendous burning pain. It is made by Healthpoint Ltd, Lancashire, FY2 0JN.

Having googled what Propylene Glycol is, it didn't make good reading! Apparently its in a lot of products but says it can cause cancer and to avoid! .....is this true? Can anyone tell me more about it please?
http://thegoodhuman.c...-you-should-avoid-it/
Needless to say - Head Soothe went straight in the bin! Should I inform the company?

[Mamyalynne]

By all means inform the company of your side effects, this is the way they learn, it may well have been the menthol that caused the burning sensation.

[Ann]

It was strange though, it only caused the intense burning on the back of my neck, not on my forehead too ............

[boxtops]

Perhaps the skin on the back of the neck is more sensitive? I use Tiger Balm in much the same way - I've never had this problem, although it stinks.

[rowanwitch]

by creating a 'cold burn' menthol affects the blood flow in the area sounds like it was a bit strong for your skin. A lavender cologne stick does a smilar thing but is a lot more gentle Yardley do one I keep one in my handbag Its just nice

[woofgang]

Elemis do a gel pump of stuff called temple balm that is lovely for an achey head. Much gentler than Tiger Balm.

[rojash]

All the info I can find says "Apply the balm directly to the forehead" - nothing about slapping it on your neck. Maybe you should have followed the directions?

[ConnerTrue]

That is a neck ache you moron.
"rubbing the stick on my forehead and on the back of my neck where the headache was"

I swear, I have lost faith in humanity.
HEAD SOOTHE!

Sources:
Common sense and recent experience.

[kittykat602]

i use it all the time it works within 30 seconds. i have severely sensitive skin and its never had any bad affects on me. also i wouldn't inform the company as it states 'apply directly to forehead' you had a reaction as you used it on your neck. even the ones sold on amazon of these products dont contain a leaflet http://www.amazon.co.uk/Head-Soothe-Natural-Relief-Headaches/dp/B003A0WJU6