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

Posted by grace_sleepnerd in Safety & Side Effects - 0 points, 0 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.

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