Lidocaine patches manage localized pain by delivering a numbing medication directly to the skin. They work by blocking nerve signals in the application area, reducing pain sensation. These patches are often used for discomfort in various body parts, including the neck, to provide targeted relief.
Applying a Lidocaine Patch to Your Neck
Before applying a lidocaine patch to the neck, ensure the skin is clean, dry, and intact. Avoid applying patches to cuts, rashes, or irritation. Applying patches to damaged skin can lead to increased absorption of lidocaine into the bloodstream, potentially causing adverse effects. Once the area is prepared, remove the protective backing from the patch and apply it firmly to the skin.
For optimal placement on the neck, choose an area with minimal hair to ensure good adhesion. The neck’s curved surface may require cutting the patch into a smaller size or different shape to conform properly and prevent it from peeling off. Always consult the product instructions, as some patches can be cut, while others should not be. Avoid placing the patch too close to the face, eyes, or mouth, as direct contact with these sensitive areas can cause irritation or unintended numbing.
Lidocaine patches typically have a recommended wear time, often up to 12 hours on, followed by a 12-hour break to reduce the risk of systemic absorption. Some over-the-counter patches may recommend application up to three times daily for no more than 8 hours per application. Adhering to these guidelines and not exceeding the maximum number of patches specified by the product or a healthcare provider helps prevent too much lidocaine from entering the body.
Understanding Potential Side Effects
While lidocaine patches primarily act locally, users may experience mild side effects at the application site. Common localized reactions include skin redness, itching, burning sensations, or a rash. These effects are usually temporary and tend to resolve within a few minutes to hours after removing the patch. If any skin reaction occurs, remove the patch and wait for the skin to return to normal before applying a new one.
Less common, but more serious, systemic side effects can occur if a significant amount of lidocaine is absorbed into the bloodstream. These symptoms might include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or drowsiness. Such systemic effects are rare when patches are used as directed on intact skin, but the risk increases if multiple patches are used, left on for extended periods, or applied to broken skin. In rare instances, more severe reactions like methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder affecting oxygen delivery, may occur, characterized by symptoms like bluish skin, shortness of breath, or fatigue.
Should any side effects persist, worsen, or if you suspect a more severe reaction, remove the patch immediately and seek medical advice. Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, require urgent medical attention.
Important Safety Considerations and When to Consult a Doctor
Individuals with a known allergy to lidocaine or other amide-type local anesthetics should not use these patches. Patches should only be applied to intact skin, as application to broken, irritated, or damaged skin can increase systemic absorption and the risk of side effects. Conditions like severe liver or heart disease can also increase the risk of lidocaine toxicity due to impaired metabolism or circulation of the drug.
Lidocaine can interact with certain medications, including some anti-arrhythmia drugs and nitrates, which can affect heart rate and rhythm. Discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using lidocaine patches. This ensures that potential interactions are identified and managed appropriately.
Accidental exposure or ingestion of lidocaine patches, especially by children or pets, poses a significant risk because even used patches retain a substantial amount of the drug. Ingesting lidocaine can lead to serious effects on the brain and heart, including numbness of the mouth and throat, trouble swallowing, drowsiness, confusion, seizures, or cardiac arrest. If accidental ingestion occurs, immediately contact a poison control center or emergency services.
Consult a doctor if neck pain persists or worsens despite using the patch as directed. Medical advice is also necessary if severe or unusual side effects develop, or if signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, hives, or breathing difficulties, appear. Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as heart, lung, or liver disease, should consult a healthcare professional before use.