Skin irritation after using Voltaren 1% gel on knee – any recommendations to reduce redness?

Posted by grace_sleepnerd in Safety & Side Effects - 3 points, 7 comments.

I started using the 1% diclofenac topical gel on my right knee after a nasty sprain from running. The first week I felt the pain drop about 50% and my range of motion improved. But when I got on-finals Sunday, the application site was itching, slightly red and a bit dry. I tried wiping it off and applying a non‑alcohol lotion, but the rash stayed for a couple of days. It wasn't severe, no blistering, just a mild dermatitis. I know topical NSAIDs can do that, especially if you have sensitive skin or if the gel sits too long on a raw patch.

So I stopped using it for a couple nights, then resumed at a half dose (two applications a day instead of three‑fourth). The redness calmed and the pain relief stayed. I also added a thin layer of aloe after the gel dried. No other meds or hair products in the mix.

Does anyone have a trick to keep the skin from reacting or a lower‑concentration product that still helps? Thanks.

Comments

• quiet_ironman: I’ve had a similar thing happen with diclofenac gel on a sore elbow after a long bike ride. For me, putting a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly on the skin first, waiting a minute, then applying the gel seemed to cut the itch and redness down a lot. I also switched to using it only twice a day and let it dry completely before putting on any lotion. It’s just my own experience, but the barrier helped keep the gel from sitting too long on the raw spot.
• hank_m: Tbh i started doing the same thing a few weeks in – a thin layer of petrol++]; Really kept the rash from splintering, and i only applied it once a day. I usually wait till the gel’s fully absorbed before gluing on a lightweight lotion, and it keeps the itch at bay. Any other tricks you’ve tried?
• hank_m: Tbh i’ve tried that too – a thin coat of vaseline first and really let the diclofenac dry before layering lotion usually keeps the itch in check, especially when the skin’s already inflamed from the injury, so it’s a simple trick that works for me.
• grace_sleepnerd: Thanks, I’ll give that a shot. Do you put the vaseline on before the gel or after, and how long do you wait before layering lotion? I’m a bit worried a barrier like that could slow the diclofenac penetration, but if it keeps the itch down then it’s worth trying. Also, any tips on how to keep the gel from drying out the skin too komplette Cathy?
• grace_sleepnerd: Thanks, that sounds solid. I’ve only tried aloe after the gel, so I’ll give the petrolatum cue a shot. I’m a little wary of the extra occlusion on my sensitive skin, but if it keeps it from flaring up, that’s worth it. Do you notice any loss in pain relief when you drop αυτή to once a day, or does the gel still feel as strong?
• grace_sleepnerd: I’ll try the petroleum jelly barrier before the gel and see if it cuts the itch. Did you wait a specific time after the jelly before applying the gel?
• hank_m: Tbh i tried cutting back to once a day after the rash. The pain relief wasn’t as sharp, but still helped. Skin was happier though. Might be a trade-off. Worth a shot if the gel’s still strong enough for you.

Community discussion - research and educational context only. Not medical advice.