Expired Topical Rub

Stating the obvious, take her to a doctor ASAP. Why wait?

I would say that her refusal to comply and call her physician and go is troubling and may be indicative of other issues.

The expiration dates on medications and OTC stuff generally exist because chemicals eventually break down. Sometimes they get weaker, sometimes stronger. Sounds like it broke down (and possibly even mixed with the inner plastic in the container tube) and became something she's allergic to. Note: I am NOT a doctor.

Do both of yourselves a favor and call her doctor, at least to ask about this (and not necessarily secretly - nothing wrong with saying, "Mom, I'm worried and I'm going to call Dr. ___ and just ask about your rash. I don't mind taking the time; it's no trouble." And then do it). And then go to her home and make note of all of the expired junk in her medicine cabinet and buy her newer versions and replace the old stuff. She may have been misguidedly trying to save a few pennies here or there, or might not be able to see the expiration dates anymore. Buy her smaller versions of things, too, such as a trial size of Tylenol so that she will be forced to replace it more quickly. Make it your job to snoop into her cabinets at times. Yes, snoop, because her judgment might be going and it will be hard for her to argue with you giving her free stuff.

While you're at it, you might want to take a look in her fridge and pantry as well. This is not you becoming accusatory, or a secret sleuth or anything like that. It's more like, you take the cottage cheese out for other reasons and you look at the expiration date.

If she is competent still, she may get very angry with you. It can be hard to deal with aging parents, and you want her to have her independence as long as possible. But the act of not bothering a doctor is disturbing, as if she is downplaying something that might not be so trivial after all, and she certainly shouldn't have to live with.

There is a certain turning point in the care and lives of the elderly. This may be the first indicator of it. Or it might not be.

"Side Effects

Redness, warmth, stinging, or burning on the application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering/swelling/severe redness at the application site, increased/unusual pain at the application site, nausea/vomiting, ringing in the ears.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
List Mentholatum Deep Heating Rub topical side effects by likelihood and severity."

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-15479/mentholatum-deep-heating-rub-topical/details

These topical aspirin products (Ben-Gay is another) can kill from overuse from too much aspirin, and/or aspirin-related allergic reactions.

Takes a lot to get me to a hospital. Am usually more worried about catching some germ common to hospitals (filled with sick people) than most ailements that'd get others (like my Mom) in to one. If I'm not unconscious and bleeding from my ears, rub some dirt on it and walk it off.