Lidocaine Numbing Cream- Things You Should Know Before Using

Lidocaine is topical anesthesia that provides fast, temporary pain relief. It is used for wounds, ulcers, and minor mouth irritations. It is also used for pain relief before dental procedures. Here, in this article, we will discuss some important things about lidocaine numbing cream.

It blocks pain signals in nerve endings in the skin:

Lidocaine numbing cream is a topical treatment that blocks pain signals by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels. These channels conduct impulses from a nerve to the brain. As a result, lidocaine numbs the skin and produces local anesthesia. It belongs to the amide local anesthetic class, including bupivacaine and ropivacaine. 

It can cause numbness:

Lidocaine numbing cream can be very dangerous when used inappropriately, resulting in toxicity and other serious effects. Lidocaine can cause seizures, hallucinations, and death if not taken properly. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice tingling or numbness in your mouth or anywhere else.

It can cause severe toxicity:

Lidocaine numbing cream can be toxic, and its overuse or improper use can lead to severe consequences. Symptoms include transient neurologic disturbances, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and cardiac muscle toxicity. In severe cases, lidocaine toxicity may even lead to death. Consequently, lidocaine numbing creams should be applied only by trained healthcare providers.

It is safe:

While lidocaine numbing cream is relatively safe, applying a large amount can have dangerous side effects. Common side effects include irritation, redness, discoloration of the skin, and mild burning. In severe cases, lidocaine can even cause seizures. If you experience one of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

It is effective:

Lidocaine numbing cream is an option for many medical and cosmetic procedures. These creams can be purchased over the counter or as a prescription. Both contain lidocaine, a numbing agent found in Dermoplast, LidoRx, and Lidoderm. However, most OTC lidocaine creams do not have FDA approval. This means they are not as effective as they should be, as it is possible for the lidocaine not to be absorbed properly into the body.

It has non-active ingredients:

Lidocaine numbing creams are available over the counter and as prescription-only medications. The active ingredient in lidocaine is a synthetic numbing agent, but many of these products contain other ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. These include benzocaine, etidocaine, and mepivacaine. You should tell your doctor about all your health conditions and allergies before you use lidocaine.