According to FutureWise analysis the market for u.s. topical pain relief in 2023 is US$ 3.03 billion, and is expected to reach US$ 4.12 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 3.9%.
An application of topical pain relief medications is made directly to the epidermal layer of the skin at the site of inflammation or pain. Topical pain relief products are designed to relieve pain and employ skin as a vehicle for the administration of drugs and exert major effects at the target site
in the central nervous system. Formulations like these contain analgesic or anesthetic agents that are applied to or around the painful area. A slow and gradual release of pain relief medication into the bloodstream is achieved by keeping the blood level relatively constant over time. It is less likely that these medications will cause side effects than oral medications. It is possible to administer both non-opioids and opioids as topical pain relievers. A non-opioid drug includes a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS), methyl salicylates, capsaicin, lidocaine, etc. Drugs that are considered opioids include buprenorphine and fentanyl. U.S. topical pain relief market growth is primarily driven by osteoarthritis and other bone-related conditions, including diabetic neuropathy, causing pain. U.S. topical pain relief market growth is also boosted by the adoption of topical pain relief products, which cause fewer side effects than oral pain relief, and an increase in the number of geriatrics across the country. Nevertheless, topical pain relievers can cause skin irritation and have a strong smell that hampers market growth. A lucrative growth opportunity for the market is expected to be offered by the development of the online platform for topical therapeutics.
Topical pain relievers are a good alternative for those unable to take oral medications. Topical pain relievers include the drug administrations of capsaicin, tricyclic antidepressants, ketamine, opioids, clonidine, NSAIDs, local anaesthetics and cannabinoids. These medications are available in the form of foams, roll-ons. creams, gels, sprays, patches and sticks.
Basis the distribution channel, the U.S topical pain relief market is fragmented into e-commerce, pharmacies and drug stores and retail and grocery stores. Pharmacies and drug stores accounted for the largest U.S topical pain relief market share due to wide availability and higher presence of drugs. On the contrary, the e-commerce segment is predicted to exhibit significant U.S. topical pain relief market growth over the forecast period due to higher literacy digital-wise amongst the population. Furthermore, these pharmacies offer many advantages like more convenience, easy access to patient reviews, fewer expenses and price comparisons, which drive the segment’s market growth.