Global Topical Pain Relief Market - 2024 - 2031

Report Overview

The Global Topical Pain Relief Market reached US$ 10.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 15.77 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Topical pain refers to a type of pain or discomfort that is superficially felt in the skin or mucous membranes. Commonly, topical pain presents itself as localized pain with various causes. It can be brought about by common skin irritations like rashes, burns, or minor cuts and abrasions. They break the skin's usual function and thereby produce painful or uncomfortable sensations.

Infections are another common cause of topical pain. The most common viral infections, usually manifesting as painful sores of the skin or mucous membranes, include herpes simplex. Similarly, bacterial infections may lead to localized pain and swelling. Inflammation emanating from conditions such as dermatitis or arthritis can also serve as a source of topical pain through irritation of the skin and deeper tissues. Generally, topical pain is treated by applications of creams, ointments, or gels directly to the site of injury. They include analgesics that relieve pain directly, and anti-inflammatory agents that act in reducing swelling and irritation.

Market Dynamics: Drivers

Increasing prevalence of orthopedic diseases

The rising prevalence of orthopedic diseases propels the market growth. For instance, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a new study projects nearly 1 billion people will be living with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, by 2050. Currently, 15% of individuals aged 30 and older experience osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis increases with age. For ages 70+ years, the condition ranked seventh among causes for years lived with disability.

The most common spots for osteoarthritis are knees and hands. By 2050, osteoarthritis of the knee will increase by 75%, and osteoarthritis of the hand by 50%. Osteoarthritis impacts women more than men. The study found that cases increased rapidly over the past three decades because of three main factors: aging, population growth, and obesity. In 1990, 256 million people had osteoarthritis. By 2020, this number rose to 595 million people, which was a 132% increase from 1990. By 2050, this number is projected to approach the 1 billion mark. The most common areas for osteoarthritis are knees and hips. The most common areas for osteoarthritis are knees and hips.

Restraints

Factors such as side effects caused by pain relief medications and stringent regulatory requirements for the approval of new treatments are expected to hamper the market. In a few cases, side effects such as swelling or redness of skin or unusual pain appear at the site of application, and nausea is observed when these pain relief medications are applied.

Market Segment Analysis

The global topical pain relief market is segmented based on type, therapeutic class, formulation, distribution channel, and region.

The segment over-the-counter(OTC) pain relief accounted for approximately 48.5% of the global topical pain relief market share

The over-the-counter(OTC) pain relief segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. In this segment, technological advancements would drive this market.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines that can be purchased without a prescription. They are used to treat a variety of symptoms and illnesses such as headaches, aches and pains, sore throat, nose congestion, fever, fungal infection, upset stomach, coughs, and colds.

For instance, in March 2023, AloeMD LLC launched Ultimate RepairX(TM) (URX). It is a topical pain relief medication with a patented 100% natural clinically proven anti-inflammatory pain relief cream that doesn't mask muscle and tissue pain like other creams but stabilizes and restores tissue. The product was formulated by medical doctors after decades of research and utilizes a combination of powerful pharmaceutical-grade botanicals and a smart absorption delivery system. The patented matrix of bio-ceutical compounds is delivered directly into distressed tissue, working immediately to alleviate pain and inflammation, and working with the body to restore tissue naturally.

Market Geographical Analysis

North America accounted for approximately 43.6% of the global topical pain relief market share

North America region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. The rising incidence of orthopedic diseases, and technological advancements, in this region, help to propel the market.

For instance, according to an article published by HealthDay News in October 2023, arthritis is becoming a disease of the masses, striking 21% of U.S. adults, or over 53 million people. About 88% of all arthritis cases were adults aged 45 and up, while about 50% were working-age people ranging in age from 18 to 64. About 58% of people who have COPD have arthritis, as do 56% of those with dementia, 53% who have had a stroke, and 52% with heart disease. About 55% of adults with a disability have arthritis.

Moreover, according to the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance (OAAA), the CDC estimates that 1 in 5 (or 53.2 million) US adults have some form of arthritis. While there are estimated to be more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 32.5 million US adults. 62% of individuals with osteoarthritis are women.

Market Segmentation

By Type

Over-the-counter (OTC) Pain Relief

Prescription Pain Relief Foscarnet

By Therapeutic Class

Opioids

Morphine

Hydrocodone

Fentanyl

Others

Non-opioids

Dexamethasone

Corticosteroids

Diclofenac

Others

By Formulation

Cream

Gel

Spray

Patch

Others

By Distribution Channel

Hospital Pharmacy

Retail Pharmacy

Online Pharmacy

Others

By Region

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

U.K.

France

Spain

Italy

Rest of Europe

South America

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of South America

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Rest of Asia-Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the global topical pain relief market include Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Endo International Plc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sanofi, Viatris Inc. among others.

Key Developments

In September 2024, Mankind Pharma announced its entry into the topical analgesic market through its consumer business division. The company is introducing Nimulid Strong, a revolutionary gel and spray formulation specifically designed to address neck pain, a condition that significantly impacts overall body function.

In April 2022, Jenburkt Wellness, the premium consumer-wellness division from the house of publicly listed organization Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd, announced the launch of Zixa Strong, a high-performing pain-relief range that delivers fast-acting and long-lasting relief from muscle and joint pains.

Why Purchase the Report?

To visualize the global topical pain relief market segmentation based on type, therapeutic class, formulation, distribution channel, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.

Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development

Excel data sheet with numerous data points of global topical pain relief market level with all segments.

PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.

Product mapping is available in Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global topical pain relief market report would provide approximately 51 tables, 54 figures, and 181 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

Manufacturers/ Buyers

Industry Investors/Investment Bankers

Research Professionals

Emerging Companies