En studie som gjennomgår smertestillende behandling av huden. Nevner at den smertedempende effekten, både for akutt og kronisk smerte, er like god som piller, men uten systemiske bivirkninger.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23374622

Topical analgesics offer the potential to provide the same analgesic relief provided by oral analgesics but with minimal adverse systemic effects.

Strong evidence was identified for the use of topical diclofenac and topical ibuprofen in the treatment of acute soft tissue injuries or chronic joint-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Evidence also supports the use of topical lidocaine in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy.