What is another word for counter-irritants?
Pronunciation: [kˈa͡ʊntəɹˈɪɹɪtənts] (IPA) 
Counter-irritants are substances that can be applied topically to produce a localized irritation. This irritation is believed to alleviate pain in deep tissues and joints by drawing blood to the skin surface. Some common synonyms for counter-irritants include topical analgesics, topical agents, and rubefacients. Topical analgesics are substances applied to the skin for the relief of pain. Topical agents refer to any substance that is applied to the skin for therapeutic purposes. Rubefacients are substances that produce a reddening of the skin, and they are often used as counter-irritants to relief of deep tissue pain. These compounds are often used to treat conditions such as arthritis, muscle pain, and back pain.
