Can Fengyoujing (Mentholatum) prevent heatstroke?
Under normal circumstances, essential balm can help prevent heatstroke, but it only has a preventive effect. If symptoms of heatstroke have already occurred, prompt medical attention is recommended. The detailed explanation is as follows:
The main ingredients of essential balm include menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, and others, which have a cooling and refreshing effect. In high-temperature environments, applying essential balm to areas such as the temples, philtrum, or forehead allows the cooling sensation and volatile aroma to penetrate through the skin and stimulate nerve endings, providing a refreshing effect. This may help alleviate discomfort such as dizziness and fatigue caused by heat, reducing the likelihood of overlooking early signs of heatstroke due to drowsiness or delayed reaction. Additionally, the cool aroma of essential balm can provide sensory comfort, making individuals feel psychologically cooler, and indirectly helping maintain alertness in hot environments, thereby reducing the risk of heatstroke to some extent.
The preventive effect of essential balm against heatstroke is relatively limited, and one should not rely solely on it to completely prevent heatstroke. Basic preventive measures such as sun protection, adequate hydration, and avoiding prolonged outdoor activities remain necessary during hot weather. Moreover, essential balm may irritate the skin; therefore, individuals with skin wounds, pregnant women, and infants should use it cautiously. Some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in essential balm. It is advisable to perform a patch test on the inner side of the earlobe before use. If allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching occur, discontinue use immediately and wash off the product thoroughly.