arnica gel?

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

I am fairly new to this group and have not read through the archived posts, so I apologize if this topic is a redundant one, however, I was curious if anyone has ever treated their EN with Arnica Gel? I recently suffered my first bout of EN (onset about approx. 2.5-3 weeks ago) and like most it has been characterized by your typical peachy-pink raised welts up and down my shins.

In any case, the other day I was rummaging through my bathroom drawer and found a tube of Arnica gel (Arniflora) that I had purchased a year ago in order to treat bruising/swelling after nose surgery. I figured it couldn't hurt, so I applied a decent amount on my legs and rubbed it in...There were no adverse effects (i.e. pain, irritation, etc), unless you count the smell, and I swear, by morning, the pinkish red welts had turned into modest-to-slightly raised bruises - that are continuing to subside more and more each day...

To date (well before the arnica), every time a bump seemed to disappear it would come back the next morning just as tender, if not more so, than before - but this seems to be different. I experience no tenderness any more - which is remarkable when considering I could barely turn over in bed without wincing in pain just a few nights ago.

I can't tell if my EN is fading on its own or if the arnica is actually having an effect - I'd loved to hear back from anyone who has tried this gel on their EN. I tried to find a homepage for the gel and/or brand that I am using, but at the moment this is the best that I can come up with:

http://www.drugstore.com/qxp28564_333181_sespider/boericke_and_tafel/arniflora_arnica_natural_topical_pain_reliever_gel_maximum_strength.htm

Regards,

Leeanne

(fyi: i am 26, female)