Lidocaine patches offer a targeted approach to managing localized pain. These medicated patches deliver lidocaine, a local anesthetic, directly through the skin to the affected area. Their design allows for a steady release of medication, providing pain relief without affecting the entire body. Lidocaine patches are available in both prescription and over-the-counter strengths, offering a convenient option for many seeking relief from various pain conditions.
Primary Uses
Lidocaine patches are commonly used to alleviate pain from specific conditions, particularly those involving nerve damage. A primary indication for prescription-strength patches is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), persistent nerve pain that can occur after a shingles infection. This pain often manifests as burning, stabbing, or aching sensations. Beyond PHN, patches are also employed for other types of localized neuropathic pain, such as diabetic neuropathy, where nerve damage results from high blood sugar levels.
Over-the-counter lidocaine patches are often used for minor localized musculoskeletal pain, such as in the shoulders, arms, neck, and legs. They also provide relief for minor aches associated with conditions like joint pain, muscle pain, and some post-surgical discomfort. The localized action of the patch makes it suitable for pain concentrated in a specific body region.
How They Work
Lidocaine, the active ingredient, functions as a local anesthetic. It stabilizes the neuronal membrane, interfering with the electrical signals nerves use to transmit pain messages. Specifically, lidocaine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels on nerve cell membranes, preventing sodium ions from entering.
By blocking these sodium channels, lidocaine stops the initiation and conduction of pain impulses. This action numbs the area under the patch, reducing pain sensations from reaching the brain. Since the medication is absorbed locally through the skin, it primarily acts on nerve endings in the treated area, limiting systemic effects throughout the body.
Proper Application and Safety
Applying lidocaine patches correctly is important for effectiveness and to reduce side effects. Before application, the skin should be clean, dry, and intact, free from cuts, rashes, or irritation. Avoid applying patches to areas with excessive hair; trimming hair with scissors is preferable to shaving.
Once the protective liner is removed, the patch is placed directly over the painful area. Some patches can be cut into smaller sizes to fit the affected region more precisely. Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling the patches to avoid accidental contact with eyes or mouth.
Prescription patches are typically worn for up to 12 hours within a 24-hour period, followed by a 12-hour patch-free interval. Over-the-counter patches may have different durations, often up to 8 hours per application. Avoid external heat sources, such as heating pads or electric blankets, over the patch, as heat can increase lidocaine absorption and lead to serious side effects. If skin irritation, redness, or burning occurs at the application site, remove the patch and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.