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In warm conditions topical application of menthol increases cool sensations and influences deep body temperature. The purpose of this experiment was to explore whether different body surface areas (BSA) exposed to menthol influence these responses. It was hypothesized that the forcing function exerted by menthol will be proportionally related to BSA.

Using a within-participant design, 13 participants underwent three BSA exposures (Small [S; finger]; Medium [M; arm]; Large [L; upper/lower body]) to 4.13% menthol, and one Placebo exposure. During each exposure participants rested supine in a tent (30 °C, 50%rh) for 30-min before their intervention and 30-min thereafter. Measures included thermal sensation, thermal comfort, irritation, skin blood flow (finger SkBF; laser Doppler flowmetry), rectal temperature (Tre), and skin temperature (chest, forearm, thigh, calf). The Area Under the Curve …