The effect of dewaxed Naftalan on the body is based on the interdependent action of thermal and chemical factors. Dewaxed Naftalan heated to body temperature causes an increase in the temperature of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the area of application by 1-1.5 °C. As a result, local hyperemia of the skin occurs in the area of exposure.

Increased blood flow, along with increased vascular permeability and pH shifts, promotes the transport through the skin of the constituent elements of dewaxed Naftalan, which contribute to limiting exudation and tissue edema, and induce proliferative processes in the focus of inflammation. During the exudative phase of inflammation, they limit leukocyte migration to the inflammatory site and reduce edema formation. In the proliferative phase, dewaxed Naftalan increases the viscosity of the plasmalemma and reduces its permeability. It enhances the resorption of cellular autolysis products and interstitial fluid outflow. By increasing the activity of the antioxidant system, it inhibits lipid peroxidation in the inflammatory focus and restores accelerated glycolysis and lipolysis processes during inflammation. Components of dewaxed Naftalan promote the destruction of proteoglycan complexes in sclerotic scars, cause desegregation of glycosaminoglycans, and enhance differentiation and maturation of fibroblasts, leading to suppression of connective tissue fiber production and regression of sclerotic foci. Thermal effects in the area of application promote accumulation of low-molecular humoral factors in local blood flow, dilating microcirculatory vessels and enhancing local skin perfusion. Hyperemia improves tissue metabolism, accelerates resorption of infiltrates, and stimulates reparative regeneration. Muscle spasms and compression of nociceptive fibers in the application area are reduced, which decreases pain sensations and softens connective tissue scars. However, noncompliance with temperature regimes or prolonged exposure may disrupt adaptive system functions and exacerbate the pathological process.

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of dewaxed Naftalan occur via multiple pathways. Naftalan and most of its preparations inhibit the synthesis and inactivate the action of inflammatory mediators. Experiments on rabbits with hyperergic inflammation showed that after the fourth topical application of dewaxed Naftalan, blood serotonin levels sharply decrease and remain low for a prolonged period; this effect is accompanied by a reduction in acetylcholine levels due to its conversion to an inactive form. Dewaxed Naftalan exhibits pronounced antihistamine activity, which largely depends on the initial state of histaminoergic structures. It has been shown that during anaphylactic and allergic reactions, antihistamine activity of dewaxed Naftalan is particularly pronounced, mediated by inhibition of mast cell alteration and stimulation of enzymatic processes, primarily histaminase activity.

Administration of naphthenic hydrocarbons to experimental animals enhances adrenal cortex function, promotes progressive biosynthesis of corticosteroids, stimulates compensatory-adaptive functions, exerts pronounced desensitizing effects, delays the development of general and local signs of anaphylaxis, inhibits Arthus phenomenon, and in case of its occurrence, significantly weakens its manifestations.

Dewaxed Naftalan has analgesic and local anesthetic effects. Experiments on rats measuring electrical threshold sensitivity showed that dewaxed Naftalan increases skin threshold sensitivity 5–6 times, reduces tactile sensitivity of nerve endings while preserving motor fiber function.

The effectiveness of topical dewaxed Naftalan is due to its antimicrobial and bactericidal effects, stimulating regenerative processes. The bactericidal mechanism involves naphthenic hydrocarbons acting on bacterial membranes, dissolving lipid and resin components, increasing permeability, disrupting metabolic processes, and leading to microbial death. Naftalan therapy increases granulation intensity, accelerates wound healing, and promotes epithelial growth. Its immunomodulatory effects on the skin significantly contribute to its therapeutic action.

Clinical and experimental studies have shown that adequate use of dewaxed Naftalan enhances tissue microcirculation, increases permeability of the blood-brain barrier, activates peripheral blood flow, improves impulse conduction along motor fibers of peripheral nerves, and excitability of spinal alpha-motoneurons. Application in peripheral nerve injuries enhances regeneration and reinnervation, stimulates reparative processes, restores functions of damaged nerves and muscles, promotes regression of existing motor and sensory defects, and alleviates vegetovascular and trophic disorders.