The tragic death of 17-year-old cross country runner Arielle Newman was found to be caused by an accidental overdose of popular spots cream balms.  She had been using Bengay and 2 other products between running meets to ease her muscle discomfort.

Methyl salicylate, or salicylic acid, is the active ingredient in creams such as Bengay, Icy Hot and Tiger Balm, as well as aspirin, and "is potentially harmful if it is overused," said Dr. Gerard Varlotta, the director of sport rehabilitation at Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in New York City.

An anti-clotting agent, salicyclic acid at very high doses "can cause internal bleeding, it can cause arrhythmias of the heart, it can cause problems in the liver -- there are any number of ways it can get to you," Varlotta added.

Typically, people are too trusting of over-the-counter medicines, assuming they are safe and without lasting ill effects to their body.  But the reality is that there are multiple dangers associated with any of these products; no matter what form they're sold in; whether it's a cream, pills, lozenges, liquid or inhalant, they all come with a health "price tag."   Use with caution.