Diethylamine salicylate is a topical salicylate ester that exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects through the local inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), leading to decreased synthesis of prostaglandins which mediate pain and inflammation. The diethylamine salt form enhances skin penetration, allowing the active salicylate to reach subcutaneous tissues and act locally to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain without significant systemic effects.