Teen Athlete Died from Overuse of Pain-Relieving Balms

The Los Angeles Times reports that 17-year-old high school track star Arelle Newman died unexpectedly on April 3. On June 8, the New York City medical examiner concluded that Newman died from arrhythmia brought on by her body's absorption of high doses of methyl-salicylate.

Methyl-salicylate is the ingredient in sports creams or ointments used to treat moderate aches and pains.

According to the Times, Newman was known to frequently use sports cream on her legs between track meets, along with an anti-inflammatory patch. The medical examiner determined that over time, Newman's body absorbed a toxic level of methyl-salicylate from these topical products, which caused arrhythmia and ultimately her death.

Unbeknownst to many who use common over-the-counter topical pain relievers, several of these brand-name products contain medication that, when used too frequently, over large areas of the body, or on delicate or broken skin can be absorbed through the skin and reach toxic levels in the body. These products can also sometimes interact negatively with prescription medications. The Times says that some experts actually describe the skin as the new stomach, in terms of the skin being a route to the bloodstream just as sure as the stomach is a bloodstream route.

Dr. Derek Jones is a practicing dermatologist and an associate dermatology professor at the University of California. According to the Times, Jones said: "Think of the skin as an absorptive barrier. It absorbs the medication, just as the stomach does." In his practice, he said, he frequently sees patients who have absorbed toxic levels of corticosteroid creams by applying them too often or using them over a long period of time. He also said too much medication can be absorbed if the affected area is wrapped or covered after one of these topical creams is applied.