1. An agent that causes irritation or a mild inflammation of the skin in order to relieve symptoms of a deep-seated inflammatory process. 2. Relating to or producing counterirritation. Enhances blood flow to affected area.
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coun·ter·ir·ri·tant -'ir-ə-tənt n an agent applied locally to produce superficial inflammation with the object of reducing inflammation in deeper adjacent structures
counterirritant adj
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n.
an agent, such as methyl salicylate, that causes irritation when applied to the skin and is used in order to relieve more deep-seated pain or discomfort.
• counterirritation n.
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coun·ter·ir·ri·tant (koun″tər-irґĭ-tənt) 1. producing a counterirritation. 2. any agent that causes counterirritation.Medical dictionary. 2011.