Pain and skin: an interdisciplinary perspective on safe analgesic methods

Transdermal analgesia is a non-invasive method of drug delivery through the skin for the treatment of various pain syndromes. This review examines fundamental principles of transdermal drug delivery, classification of analgesics (opioid and non-opioid), their application, and effectiveness in different clinical scenarios, including postoperative pain management, treatment of chronic and acute pain, cancers and neuropathic pain. The review highlights the advantages of transdermal analgesia, such as prolonged and controlled drug release, avoidance of first-pass metabolism in liver, improved patient adherence to treatment, and lower risk of systemic side effects. Limitations are also discussed, including constraints related to physicochemical properties of drugs, delayed onset of action for certain medications, and potential for local skin reactions. Additionally, the review explores recent advancements and future prospects in transdermal analgesic systems, including active delivery technologies (iontophoresis, ultrasound), microneedle technologies, and “smart” patches that may enhance efficacy and expand the range of transdermal analgesic applications. Clinical significance of transdermal analgesia lies in its ability to provide an effective alternative to traditional analgesic methods, particularly for chronic pain and in patients with difficult oral or injectable drug intake.