Released “earlier this month” (March), the contoured applicator on the tube allows consumers “to evenly and easily” rub the Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel onto the affected area, GSK said.

Patients use the applicator to apply the gel in three steps: “unlock, pop, apply”, the manufacturer said.

GSK research from 2017 showed that over a quarter (27%) of patients surveyed found touching the gel with their hands had been “one of the greatest barriers to purchase” in this category, it claimed.

Voltarol senior brand manager Charlotte Perry said: “There is currently no other brand on the market providing a ‘no mess’ applicator to ensure that no product gets on the hands.”

The 1.16% diclofenac diethylammonium gel is “up to three times more effective than non-medicated gel”, GSK claimed.

“As an alternative to common oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, this gel has been specially formulated to help the anti-inflammatory ingredient to get through the skin.”

One 100g pack of Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel with applicator retails at £14.99.

To order, call 0800 783 8881