Sarna
Camphor/menthol lotion is used topically (on the skin) to help relieve pain and itching from minor burns, cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and rashes. Some formulations can also be used to help relieve minor aches and pains from arthritis, sprains, and strains. Combination camphor and menthol are also available in many different forms (e.g., lotion, gel, cream, ointment) and as lower-cost generics that can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
What is Camphor/menthol lotion?
What is Camphor/menthol lotion used for?
Temporary relief of pain or itching from:
- Minor burns
- Sunburn
- Minor cuts
- Scrapes
- Insect bites
- Skin irritations and rashes from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
- Minor muscle or joint pains (e.g., arthritis, backaches, bruises, strains, sprains)
How Camphor/menthol lotion works
Camphor/menthol lotion is a combination medication.
- Camphor is a topical pain medication that causes a cooling, then warming sensation. It eases pain by making your nerves less sensitive to pain and itching.
- Menthol is also a topical pain medication. It works by causing a cooling sensation that makes the nerves on your skin less sensitive to pain and itching.
Drug facts
Side effects of Camphor/menthol lotion
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Skin reactions: dryness, redness, burning, discoloration
The following Camphor/menthol lotion side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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Pros and cons of Camphor/menthol lotion
Pros
- Available over the counter
- Lotion is easy to apply and doesn't feel greasy
- Two medications combined into one product to help with pain or itching
- Can be used on children (depending on age)
Cons
- Not meant for long-term use
- Have to ask provider if it's safe to use on children since it depends on their age
- Other medications with the same ingredients used for different conditions might be confusing
- Can only use on the outside of your body (i.e., on your skin)
Pharmacist tips for Camphor/menthol lotion
- To use camphor/menthol lotion, hold the cap tightly and turn the pump counter-clockwise to open the bottle.
- Apply camphor/menthol lotion on the outside of your body only (i.e., your skin). Don't use this medication on broken, damaged, or irritated areas.
- Avoid getting camphor/menthol lotion into your eyes, since this can cause irritation.
- Some camphor and menthol products have warnings against covering the application area with a bandage. This is because doing so might lead to more skin irritations. Check with your provider if you're not sure how to use your product.
- If your symptoms don't improve after 7 days of using camphor/menthol lotion, get worse, or get better and come back again, stop using camphor/menthol lotion and contact your provider. These might be signs that your condition needs more medical attention.
- Keep camphor/menthol lotion away from children. If you or someone you know accidentally swallows camphor/menthol lotion, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away at (800) 222-1222.
Common questions about Camphor/menthol lotion
Although both products are used to relieve pain and itching from many skin problems, they each have different ingredients. Camphor/menthol lotion contains camphor and menthol, while Sarna Sensitive (pramoxine) only contains pramoxine (a different anti-itch ingredient). Sarna Sensitive (pramoxine) can be used for people with sensitive skin conditions, such as dry or eczema-prone skin. Ask your provider if you're not sure which product is best for you.
If your symptoms don't go away after 7 days, get worse, or if the medication helps your skin for a little while but your symptoms come back, stop using camphor/menthol lotion and call your provider. These might be signs that your condition needs more medical attention.
No, camphor/menthol lotion doesn't have any steroid ingredients. The most common topical steroid available over the counter used for itching is hydrocortisone. If you're not sure which product you should use, ask your pharmacist or provider to help guide you.
It's not known if camphor/menthol lotion can harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. Ask your provider before using camphor/menthol lotion if you're pregnant or breastfeeding to see if this medication is safe for you and your child.
No. Camphor/menthol lotion will only help with your symptoms of pain and itching. It can't treat sunburn or make the burns go away faster. Read this article about treating sunburns at home or speak with your provider about the best treatment option for your sunburn.
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Risks and warnings for Camphor/menthol lotion
Camphor/menthol lotion can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Use only on your skin
Camphor/menthol lotion should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or genitals. If this medication is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away by calling (800) 222-1222.
Camphor/menthol lotion dosage
Lotion pump| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 222ml of 0.5%/0.5% | 1 pump | $6.24 | $6.24 |
Typical dosage for Camphor/menthol lotion
Camphor/menthol is available in many different forms besides lotion, such as gel, ointment, and cream. It also comes in different strengths and used for different conditions. Make sure you follow the instructions on the package for the product you're using. A few examples of typical dosing are listed below.
Lotion containing 0.5% camphor and 0.5% menthol:
- Adults and children 2 years and older: Apply to the affected area(s) up to 3 to 4 times daily.
- Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.
Gel containing 4% camphor and 10% menthol:
- Adults and children 12 years and older: Apply to the affected area(s) up to 3 to 4 times daily.
- Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.
How much does Camphor/menthol lotion cost?
$6.24
What are alternatives to Camphor/menthol lotion?
Topical lidocaine products come in many forms and strengths. Each can be used for different conditions.
In general, they're used for temporary relief of pain, itching, burning, or discomfort from:
Camphor/menthol lotion images
