What do you Know About Skin-Numbing Cream?

Skin-numbing creams are topical medications that function like a local anesthetic, decreasing pain and sensitivity in the areas where they are applied. These skin-numbing creams work by obstructing nerve signals in your body.

Did you know that skin-numbing creams such as Emla 5% Cream are used for a wide variety of purposes?

Common uses include numbing the skin before minor surgery procedures like mammograms, and giving injections to children and adults if necessary. Topical anesthetics are becoming increasingly popular to numb skin prior to cosmetic procedures such as laser tattoo removal, microdermabrasion, waxing, body piercing, filler injection, and even tattoo application.

Emla 5% skin-numbing creams are available over the counter (OTC), while others with stronger active ingredients require a prescription.

This article explains the active ingredients in Emla 5% skin numbing cream, and how to use it.

Emla 5% Topical Anaesthetic

Emla 5% cream contains Lidocaine which is one of the most effective topical anesthetics and is found in most skin-numbing creams and gels.

Emla Cream is one of the strongest numbing creams because it contains Lidocaine.  It is widely used for a number of treatments that might cause pain to the skin. Lidocaine is the most effective on the market and has the benefit of giving quick numbing and fast results for pain relief.

Other active ingredients in skin-numbing creams include:

• Benzocaine (found in Lanacane, dermoplast, and Solarcaine)
• Pramoxine (found in Prax, Proctofoam, and Sarna Sensitive, Proctofoam)
• Dibucaine (found in Rectacaine and Nupercainal)
• Tetracaine (found in Viractin, Viractin, and Ametop gel)

How to Use  

Use this medication only on healthy skin. See below for instructions on how to numb your skin before cutting it during piercings, surgery, or getting tattoos.

Instructions:  

• Thoroughly wash hands before applying to skin
• Apply to dry and clean skin.
• Apply at the designated time before your appointment
• How long you leave on the cream depends on the procedure you're having. Typically, you apply it 1 hour prior to injections and 2 hours prior to minor skin procedures.
• To use, apply a thick layer of the cream directly onto the skin. Do not rub in.
• Cover with an airtight bandage, plastic wrap, or dressing.
• Keep the cream covered for at least 30-45 minutes with before removing it to achieve maximum numbing.
• Remove the dressing and cream and clean the area thoroughly shortly before the procedure.

Dosage

The dosage depends on your age and what procedure you are having. For children, the dosage is based on weight. Check-in with your pharmacist, doctor, or clinician for dosage recommendations.

Make sure not to use larger amounts than prescribed. Do not use it on large areas of skin, leave it in place longer than directed, or apply heat because serious side effects can occur.

Shop online at Online4Pharmacy for over-the-counter and prescription skin-numbing creams and gels to relieve pain from minor treatments. Buy online and get fast delivery for any items you buy directly to your front door.