I have a problem with normal medicated plasters. It gives me horrible rashes due to the plastic/glue material. I seem to have an allergic reaction to them. It doesn’t matter what kind is it – from your Band Aids to cooling relief pads – it’ll give me an angry, red and swollen rash within a couple of hours.

Allow me to illustrate:

I stuck on a generic Band Aid during dinner at a friend’s place. Yes, I did this intentionally. I did not have a wound, I just wanted to show my allergic reaction to plasters.

I took it off after a few hours and you can already see the redness of the skin under it. It grows progressively worse and worse even though I’ve washed the area with soup and water.

Here’s what it looks like 12 hours later. The skin under the plaster is swollen and itchy. This isn’t the worst part. It’s going to get even worse over the days.

Imagine walking around with an irritatingly itchy rash like that for about two weeks. Now you know why I’m so hesitant about using any type of plasters. I can only use cotton pads with sterile hypoallergenic tape without producing an ugly rash since I was a kid.

However, I was curious as to how I would react to Tiger Balm Plasters.

I reckon that since I might suffer an allergic reaction to it, I might as well get something out of it and have someone else put it on for me, preferably hot.

Hang on, let me rephrase that. Heh. I meant the plaster, not the girl. It’s the Tiger Balm Plasters – Warm with capsicum extract.

(although Karina is pretty hot too – thanks for helping me stick it on!)

It was over midnight before I took it off so the plaster was on me for over 8 hours.

I did not get a rash from it! :D

I love it – the Tiger Balm Plasters are awesome! Now that I know I can use it without allergic reactions (think I know why – more on that later) here’s a short description if you’re wondering whether you should get the Cool Plaster or Warm Plaster:

Cool Plaster
Pain e.g. muscular strain, sprain, and backache.

Warm Plaster
Chronic pain e.g. back aches, muscle pain, arthritis and rheumatism. Contains capsicum extract.

As a general rule of thumb, use the Cool Plasters for lasting relief from the kind of pain you get from straining a muscle while exercising or backaches after a long day at work sitting in a rigid chair. The Warm Plasters are for those stubborn backaches and pains that just won’t go away.

I love the smell of Tiger Balm – it’s something I grew up with and the brand is trusted (and used) by generations. I didn’t realize they have plasters until a friend told me. It’s very easy to put on – except on your back la, that kind of thing isn’t something you can do alone. ;)

Here’s how you can easily apply the Tiger Balm Plaster by yourself (when you don’t have someone nearby to help you out) on tricky areas like the knee and the elbow:

1. Put hydrogel plaster on additional adhesive after taking off the backing and lay it out on a flat surface e.g. a table

2. Lower your elbow into the hydrogel bit.

3. Finish up by using your other hand to stick the extra large additional adhesive around the area.

There you have it! Three simple steps to independence! :)

The additional adhesive that comes with the plasters. It allows for an extra strong hold on movable parts of your body (elbows, knees, joints) and the hydrogel plaster contains the unique Tiger Balm formulation that delivers long lasting relief from muscle pain.

I also noticed that the adhesive works very well for me – it doesn’t cause any allergic reactions. I think it’s coz of the high quality adhesive they use. It also allows for ventilation and is stretchable. The non-woven material is very gentle and comfortable to the skin – I should know, I have embarrassingly sensitive skin – and it peels off easily to boot.

I’ve used both the Warm Plaster and the Cool Plaster. I like the feeling of the Warm Plaster. I didn’t feel anything at first but after a couple of minutes, a warm sensation started to spread on my shoulders from the capsicum extract and it’s a really, really nice feeling. I don’t know about you but I prefer it to the Cold Plaster.

I do have back pain from my posture while sitting so it’s I really like the plasters. It comes in a new packaging now and you can get it for RM 6.80 (Large) and RM 5.20 (Small). It’s available at all chain pharmacies like Guardian, Watson and Caring, and also your neighborhood pharmacies.

I think it’s awesome stuff. It’s great value for money since each pack comes with two plasters. I can just get one from the pharmacy and put it on for lasting relief from the muscle aches on my shoulders. It’s just RM 3.60 for one of the large ones, much less than what I pay for my lunch. ;)