Numbing cream for skin works as an anesthetic and they are a type of medication that desensitizes a certain portion of your body. These creams function by blocking the nerve impulses of a body. Before the start of a small surgeryor before giving any injections, for many different types of purposes, numbing cream for skin is frequently used. Nowadays the usage of this skin has increased furthermore due to cosmetic surgeries which include the likes of waxing, piercing, and inking.
It should be kept in mind that the use of a numbing cream for skin is strictly prohibited without a doctor’s or any medical professional’s advice. Many cosmetic surgeries take place all over the world illegally in the absence of a doctor. And these creams need to be used properly to avoid their side effects.
In this article, it is going be to be discussed what are used as ingredients to make a numbing cream, its application, the difference between the medical numbing cream and a counter numbing cream. This article will also talk about the harmful side effects of this cream and the reason for a doctor’s consultation before its usage.
The Ingredients-
Lidocaine is probably the most frequently used ingredient for making these types of creams. Anyone who uses these creams must have heard of it. Lidocaine is highly useful and effective as it quickly reduces pain and swelling. Some of the most commonly used numbing creams where Lidocaine is a primary ingredient are Dermoplast and Lidoderm. Benzocaine and Tetracaine are the other commonly used ingredients used for making skin-numbing creams. It must be taken into consideration that numbing cream for skin is meant for external use only. If anyone swallows it mistakenly, medical and emergency helps should be taken as quickly as possible.
The Difference between And Retailed Numbing Creams-
The numbing creams for skin available or sold in the retailed stores vary quite a lot from those of the medical ones. Even most of the counter-numbing creams are sold illegally as they are strictly banned by the Food and Drug Administration of the USA, commonly known as the FDA. The majority of the counter-numbing creams contain a much lower concentration of Lidocaine than it is usually prescribed by a medical expert.
After using these creams, they should be stored carefully out of direct sunlight. Children are advised to stay from these numbing creams. The cream tube should also be closed tightly.
How to Use a Numbing-Cream-
Before applying this cream, the steps mentioned below are advised to be followed-
- The affected area always needs to be washed and cleaned with the help of soap and water. The water however needs to be warm and not cold.
- A soft cloth needs to be used to clean and dry the affected area.
- If the skin is already swollen and red, then it is advised not to use a skin-numbing cream at that time.
- If someone touches his eyes while applying the cream, he should immediately wash them thoroughly with water.
- If this cream is to be used on the skin of a child, a pediatrician’s advice needs to be taken first.
Normally the numbing creams are used in small amounts. As mentioned earlier, it is always recommended to take the advice of a doctor or the help of a prescription before using this cream. Excess use of this cream can lead to severe side effects and it can be fatal as well. It should be remembered that more usage of numbing cream does not mean that it will work more effectively. Heart failure, convulsions, and even coma are some of the major negative aspects of this cream on its over-usage.
The negative effects of numbing creams differ from one person to another. The instructions should be followed by an individual which is normally mentioned on the tube body.
Side Effects of Numbing Cream for Skin–
You can be completely assured of the fact that you would not have to experience any side effects of this cream if you follow a doctor’s advice. But even the best of the products come with their side effects. Often the skin colour gets changed where the cream is applied. Rashes, itchiness, and burning sensations are some of the other common side effects of numbing cream on the skin. Ice should not be used in the affected area and the use of cold water is always advised.
The cream should be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
The occurrence of allergies is also common when it comes to the use of numbing creams for the skin. The allergic reactions are similar to that of normal ones. Swelling of facial and oral parts along with breathing difficulties frequently occur on the overapplication of these creams.
Remember these are just only some of the side effects and allergic reactions that you may face due to the numbing creams. There are also many other different types of complications and problems you may face due to it. It is the responsibility of an individual to take care of himself and look after anything unusual or out of ordinary. If any such events take place, you should not wait for a single second and take the help of a doctor.
It is scary to think that even a normal numbing cream for skin can be so harmful and deadly.However, it should be considered as a positive thing. Sometimes fear can be used to do and use something carefully by taking extra precaution and care. It is the individual who causes an over usage of these skin creams.
Normally the skin numbing creams are used half an hour to one hour before a procedure. The effect of this skin lasts from 2 to3 hours on average. Many people who love body art and tattoos rely on this anesthetic to avoid pain during such sessions to have a memorable experience.