Numbing creams use topical anesthetic agents, most commonly lidocaine or a combination like lidocaine and prilocaine, to temporarily block pain signals from the skin’s nerve endings. They work by interfering with the sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing them from sending pain impulses to the brain. People frequently use these creams to manage discomfort associated with minor procedures such as getting tattoos, piercings, waxing, or certain cosmetic treatments like microdermabrasion or laser hair removal. Using the cream correctly ensures the active ingredients penetrate the skin effectively. Proper application technique and adherence to safety guidelines are necessary to achieve optimal results while avoiding adverse effects.
Preparing the Skin for Application
The effectiveness of any topical anesthetic depends heavily on how well the skin is prepared before the cream is applied. The initial step involves thoroughly cleaning the target area to remove any oils, dirt, or lotions that could create a barrier against absorption. Use a mild soap and water to cleanse the skin, followed by drying the area completely with a clean towel.
Residual moisture or natural skin oils can impede the cream’s ability to penetrate the outermost layer of the skin. For areas with significant hair growth, trimming or shaving the hair may be helpful, as this allows the cream to sit directly on the skin surface rather than being absorbed by the hair shaft. This preparation creates a clean, dry surface, which is the most receptive state for the anesthetic agents to begin their work.
Step-by-Step Application Technique
Applying the numbing cream requires a specific method that differs from rubbing in a standard moisturizing lotion. Wear gloves during this process to prevent the anesthetic from numbing your own fingertips. The goal is to dispense a generous amount of cream, creating a layer that is thick and visible on the skin.
The cream should be applied as a thick, dense coat, often described as resembling the frosting on a cake, and should not be rubbed completely into the skin. This heavy application ensures a reservoir of the active ingredient remains on the surface to be continuously absorbed. Once the thick layer is in place, the area must be covered immediately with an occlusive dressing, such as a piece of plastic wrap or a specialized patch.
Occlusion is a necessary step because it traps both the cream and the body’s natural heat and moisture against the skin. This process prevents the cream from drying out and significantly enhances the rate and depth of anesthetic absorption. The plastic wrap should be secured tightly around the edges to create a leak-proof seal, maximizing the occlusive effect.
Understanding the Timing and Duration
The cream requires a specific duration to fully activate the numbing effect. Most commercial numbing creams containing lidocaine need to be left on the skin for a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure begins. Higher-concentration formulas may require up to 90 minutes or longer to achieve the deepest level of skin desensitization.
The peak numbing effect occurs right after the cream and occlusive dressing are removed. This window of maximum numbness can generally last between two and four hours, depending on the specific formulation and the individual’s skin. For longer procedures, the effect will gradually subside, and the timing must be planned precisely around the start of the work.
Necessary Safety Precautions
Before any procedure begins, it is imperative to wipe away all traces of the numbing cream and any residue from the skin. Complete removal is necessary to prevent the cream from entering the broken skin created by the procedure, which can lead to increased systemic absorption of the anesthetic. Numbing creams should never be applied to skin that is already cut, scraped, irritated, or broken, as this dramatically increases the risk of the active ingredients entering the bloodstream.
A major safety concern is systemic toxicity, which can occur if high-concentration creams are used over large body surface areas, applied for too long, or absorbed too rapidly. Applying over-the-counter products with more than 4% lidocaine or using occlusive dressings can increase this absorption risk, potentially leading to serious complications like irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or seizures.
It is always advisable to perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of skin a day beforehand to check for any allergic reaction or localized irritation. If symptoms like lightheadedness, confusion, ringing in the ears, or widespread rash occur, the cream must be removed immediately, and medical attention should be sought. The product must also be stored securely, out of the reach of children and pets, as accidental ingestion can be extremely dangerous.