Bengay - Why?

Ok, here is something that makes my brain hurt! lol

Why is it that the muscle cream Bengay helps sore muscles by becoming very hot on the skin when applied....everywhere, but yet it does not burn the hands that are rubbing it in??????

Also, have you ever put bengay on yourself or someone else and then forgot to wash it off your hands before using the bathroom? OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!.....but yet again, the hands betray you because if they would get affected by the 'heat' of the cream, you would not of forgotten to wash it off!!!!...

LOL, wash you hands!!

I actually wonder if it has something to do with the melanin in your skin. I think your hands may not have any (which is why people with very dark skin still have white hands)...

Your lips are also another part of the body that doesn't have melanin, so don't let them get burnt.

Edit: I should elaborate on that. What I mean is that for example, when you get a spray tan the chemical reacts with the melanin in your skin to make it darker.
So perhaps the heat cream reacts with the melanin in your skin to make it hot and thats why you can't feel it on your hands.

I've actually never heard of Bengay cream but if you're using it to help with aches and pains caused by sitting at the computer all day then I feel your pain! I've used a "deep heat" cream but had a similar experience when I rubbed my eyes after forgetting to wash my hands!!! Not good. I've changed to an ibuprofen gel now, but I find that the only other thing that helps is going to the gym. :)

Yeah me neither, but I have tried other versions of Bengay so I know that burning feeling! How long does it take for the effect of the cream to start working?? Maybe its just that you automatically wash your hands (Or at least wipe your hands on your clothes) and don't even notice that you did it! I'm going to have to go by myself some Bengay to check it out...

Bengay fact: Ben-Gay was was developed in France by Dr. Jules Bengue and brought to America in 1898.