A Guide to How Skin Numbing Creams Work

Whether you're prepping for a cosmetic treatment, managing sunburn pain, or trying to make an injection more comfortable, skin-numbing creams can provide fast, targeted relief. These topical medications are designed to reduce pain by blocking nerve signals in specific areas of the skin and they’re available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription.

Still, not all numbing creams are created equal, and knowing how to use them safely is essential.

What Are Skin-Numbing Creams Used For?

Numbing creams act as local anesthetics, helping reduce or prevent pain in a concentrated area. Common uses include:

• Medical procedures: Mammograms, minor surgeries, blood draws, vaccinations

• Cosmetic treatments: Microneedling, waxing, body piercings, filler injections

• Pain relief: Sunburn, insect bites, rashes, scrapes, hemorrhoids, sore throat

Keep in mind, while these creams dull pain, they may not eliminate it entirely especially during procedures involving pressure, like tattoos or injections.

Key Ingredients in Numbing Creams

The effectiveness of a numbing cream depends largely on its active ingredient. Here are the most common ones:

• Lidocaine: Found in brands like Dermoplast, LidoRx, and Lidoderm. Known for fast action and strong numbing effects.

• Benzocaine: Often used in after-sun products like Solarcaine and in cold sore creams.

• Pramoxine: Found in products like Sarna Sensitive and Proctofoam, often used for itching and minor irritations.

• Dibucaine and Tetracaine: Stronger anesthetics used in prescription formulas or professional settings.

OTC vs. Prescription Numbing Creams

While you can find many numbing creams at your local pharmacy, prescription versions are stronger and typically contain a higher percentage of the active ingredient. For example:

• Prescription Lidoderm patches contain 5% lidocaine.

• OTC creams like Aspercreme typically contain 4%.

Some prescription creams also combine numbing agents with anti-inflammatory ingredients like hydrocortisone for added relief.

How to Apply Numbing Cream Safely

Proper application is key to getting relief without complications:

1. Clean the area with mild soap and warm water, then pat dry.

2. Apply a thin layer more is not better.

3. Avoid sensitive or damaged skin such as cracked, sore, or inflamed areas.

4. Keep away from eyes, and wash your hands thoroughly after application.

If using before a medical or cosmetic procedure, follow your provider’s instructions on when and how much to apply. Leaving numbing cream on too long or applying it too thickly can lead to serious side effects from systemic absorption, including irregular heartbeat, seizures, or difficulty breathing.

Are There Side Effects?

Most people tolerate numbing creams well, especially when used correctly. Still, possible mild side effects include:

• Temporary skin discoloration

• Itching or light rash

• Mild burning sensation

If this occurs, rinse the area with cool water and allow the skin to breathe.

More severe side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Significant swelling, redness, or bruising

• Dizziness, confusion, or blurred vision

• Allergic reactions like hives or difficulty breathing

In rare cases, overuse or incorrect application can lead to toxicity, marked by convulsions or loss of consciousness. If this happens, call 911 immediately.

Tips for Storage and Safety

• Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

• Keep the cap tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets.

• If swallowed accidentally, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Always consult a doctor before using numbing cream on children or over large areas of the body. Likewise, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a chronic skin condition, professional guidance is important.

If you're planning a cosmetic or dermatological treatment, your provider may even apply the cream for you and monitor its effects before proceeding.

Skin-numbing creams can offer safe and effective pain relief but only when used properly. Be informed, read the label, and when in doubt, ask a healthcare professional.

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