Topical pain relievers may cause burns

Topical pain relievers may ease muscle and joint pain, but the Food and Drug Administration says the products could cause burns.  

The FDA says some consumers have reported mild to serious chemical burns from using products like Bengay, Icy Hot and Flexall.

In some cases, officials say the over-the-counter creams, gels and ointments caused burns after just one application. Some were serious enough to require hospitalization.

The FDA advises that people not apply pain relievers on damaged or irritated skin. Don't bandage the area where you've applied the product. And don't use a heating pad or hot water bottle along with the pain reliever.