Lidocaine cream is a topical medication that is applied to the skin in order to prevent pain or itching and treat mild discomfort. The cream acts as a local anaesthetic and causes a temporary numbness on the applied areas by inhibiting the nerve endings on the skin. It does not cause unconsciousness like a general anaesthetic.
Lidocaine cream can be used during superficial cosmetic procedures, such as getting a tattoo or laser hair removal. It can be used to treat pain or discomfort caused by a sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, or other minor cuts and scratches. It can also be used during some medical procedures.
Side effects from lidocaine cream are generally rare and mild in nature, making lidocaine cream a commonly used local anaesthetic.
Lidocaine Cream Uses
Skin Conditions
Lidocaine is commonly used to treat pain, itching, or discomfort caused by any number of topical skin conditions. These include mild cuts and scrapes, sunburn, insect stings or bites, eczema, and superficial burns. Lidocaine cream is also used to treat pain caused by haemorrhoids. Since it is safe to use on mucous membranes as well, lidocaine cream can be used for conditions around the anus and genitals, such as anal fissures. It is also commonly used to treat the discomfort associated with a herpes outbreak.
In addition, lidocaine may be used for the itching associated with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
Medical & Cosmetic Procedures
Lidocaine cream may be used to relieve the discomfort caused by certain medical procedures. These include something as simple as getting vaccinated, to more involved medical procedures, such as a cystoscopy, mammogram, or sigmoidoscopy.
It is also commonly used during painful cosmetic procedures, including tattoo or tattoo removal and laser hair removal. Microdermabrasion, waxing, filler injection, and body piercing are other cosmetic procedures that may use lidocaine as a numbing agent.
How to Apply Lidocaine Cream
If using a prescription lidocaine cream, following the advice of your doctor or pharmacist is important in avoiding serious complications. If using an OTC lidocaine cream, follow the instructions on the package. Be sure to use only the recommended dose for the recommended time.
For example, if your doctor recommended that you apply lidocaine cream two hours before a procedure, applying it four hours beforehand will do more harm than good.
Do not apply the cream on open wounds or sores.
Gently wash the affected area and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of lidocaine cream as recommended.
Lidocaine Cream Side Effects
Most people who use lidocaine cream do not experience significant side effects. There may be some redness or stinging at the application site, but this is temporary.
Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling and inflammation of the face, tongue, or throat. Seek emergency medical assistance if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.
Serious side effects are rare, but may include seizures, irregular heartbeat, sudden dizziness or drowsiness, severe headache or vomiting, confusion, problems with speech or hearing, or severe burning or sensation at the application site. This is not a complete list of side effects. Contact a medical professional for information about side effects.