Numbing creams are topical preparations designed to reduce discomfort on the skin’s surface, often used before minor medical or cosmetic procedures, or for temporary pain relief from minor injuries. These creams offer a way to manage sensations, making various experiences more tolerable.
The Sensation Journey
When numbing cream is applied, initial sensations commonly include a cooling or tingling feeling on the skin. Some individuals might also notice a mild warming or slight itchiness as the cream begins to interact with the skin’s nerve endings. These initial sensations indicate the active ingredients are beginning to work.
As the cream takes fuller effect, these initial feelings gradually give way to a sense of dullness or a muted response in the treated area. The skin may feel heavy, and its sensitivity to touch and pressure diminishes significantly. While discomfort is greatly reduced, numbing cream lessens sensation rather than eliminating it entirely, meaning some pressure or faint sensations might still be perceived.
How Numbing Cream Works
Numbing creams achieve their effect through active ingredients known as local anesthetics, such as lidocaine and prilocaine. These compounds work by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the treated area of the skin. They prevent the nerve cells from properly transmitting pain signals to the brain, effectively desensitizing the localized region.
Lidocaine and prilocaine are often combined in numbing creams because they offer complementary effects: lidocaine acts more quickly and penetrates deeper, while prilocaine’s effects tend to last longer. This synergistic action ensures a more rapid onset and extended duration of the numbing effect. This localized action means only the applied area becomes numb, leaving surrounding areas unaffected.
Understanding Other Sensations
Beyond the typical numbing progression, some individuals may experience other sensations, which are mild and temporary. These can include a mild burning or stinging sensation at the application site, along with temporary skin discoloration, redness, or slight swelling. These reactions are minor and resolve on their own once the cream is removed.
If these sensations become intense, persistent, or are accompanied by severe irritation, it could indicate a stronger reaction or an allergic response. In such cases, remove the cream promptly and seek medical advice. While safe, monitoring the skin for any concerning changes is important.
What to Expect and Safe Use
The numbing effect of these creams lasts for a few hours after application, with the exact duration varying based on the product’s concentration and individual response. Numbing creams are used for procedures like tattooing, piercing, injections, waxing, and minor skin surgeries.
For safe and effective use, follow the product’s specific instructions, including the recommended application time and amount. Performing a patch test on a small skin area before widespread use helps identify potential sensitivities or allergic reactions. Numbing cream should not be applied to broken, irritated, or swollen skin, nor used over large body areas without professional guidance. Overuse or application to compromised skin can lead to increased absorption into the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic effects such as dizziness, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, or seizures.