Kerosene is a toxic substance, it is a petroleum product that may be absorbed through the skin and circulate systemically. And if the kerosene itself is exposed to open flame or lighted cigarettes, explosion may happen and patient is at risk to suffer from burn. The purpose of its application according to some user is the heat/warmth brought about by the chemical. We strongly discourage the use of kerosene.
There are several ways of obtaining heat or warmth for the joint; simply soak a hand towel in a basin with hot water, squeeze the excess water and apply it over the painful joint. You may repeat it several times without hurting the joint.
Some of my patients plug in flat iron and apply it on the affected joints, which make them at risk of cutaneous burn or electric shock.
As a general rule, do not apply direct heat on the affected joint.
Topical ginger in slices is also a traditional medicine used for arthritis and soft tissue rheumatism but some patients develop skin irritation, particularly if they wrap the joint and ginger together for quite a period of time.
We therefore do not recommend its use. There's a pill for arthritis with ginger as active ingredient. It is available locally with very minimal side effects. However, its analgesic effect is not that potent, therefore, it has to be taken together with other COX-2 specific inhibitor.
Q2. If my joint is damaged, what shall I do?
Conserve your joints! Reduce your body weight, do some stretching exercises if possible. Some examples of joint conservation technique are as follows: Avoid kneeling. Do not squat. Do not walk on uneven surface. Don't twist open bottled soft drinks. Do not force open tight faucet.
If damage is so severe, surgery may be required.
Dr. Perry P. Tan is a rheumatologist, founder and head of the Rayuma Klinik of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) and consultant at St. Luke's Medical Center.