Lidocaine is a well-known anesthetic. It helps numb the skin and the tissues surrounding it. Lidocaine both minimizes and alleviates pain caused by certain procedures, such as cystoscopy and tooth surgeries. You may also treat slight burns, scratches, and insect bites with this medication.
For Dental Procedures
Lidocaine cream is applied to the gums to create numbness or lack of sensation during dental operations. This medication is a combination of two topical local anesthetics or numbing medicines. A lidocaine cream causes the nerve endings in the gums to become inactive, making the person feel numb when undergoing tooth procedures.
Take note that this medicine should only be administered by or under the supervision of a dental professional.
For Partial Burns
You may also use lidocaine cream as a treatment for partial burns. Whether these burns came from flames, boiling liquid, etc., a lidocaine cream can be an ideal first aid treatment for these burns.
According to some studies, applying five percent of lidocaine cream at a dosage of 1 mg/cm2 to a partial burn can help relieve the pain significantly.
In Cystoscopy
Lidocaine cream’s effectiveness in women undergoing flexible cystoscopy has still not yet been proven in studies. Surgeons only use lidocaine cream during flexible diagnostic cystoscopy in women based on their preferences and experiences. Nevertheless, either regular or a lidocaine anesthetic gel is currently an acceptable clinical practice.
For Anorectal Problems
Over-the-counter lidocaine cream or lidocaine rectal is an ideal treatment for anorectal diseases. Lidocaine cream is known to treat hemorrhoids and other anus-related problems.
Carefully wash and soap the area before applying the cream, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Apply the cream inside and around the anal entrance by gently inserting the applicator tip 1.5-2.5 cm within the anus, as advised in the manufacturer’s instructions or by a physician. Remember not to use the applicator again.
If you want to apply the cream outside the anus, use only a small amount of the cream, and massage it gently on the affected area. Do not administer lidocaine cream to the anus with your finger.
HOW TO USE A LIDOCAINE CREAM
- If you’re treating minor wounds with over-the-counter lidocaine cream, read, understand, and follow all of the instructions on the packaging before using it. Consult with a pharmacist if you have any questions regarding the topical cream.
- If prescribed, your doctor will generally offer you a prescription for lidocaine creams or the lidocaine itself before your check-up. Remember always to follow the directions on the back of your cream.
- Thoroughly clean the afflicted area as indicated before applying the cream to the skin. Use the lidocaine cream two to three times a day or as instructed by your doctor.
- For a spray-type lidocaine cream- Give it a good shake before using. Hold the lidocaine cream three to five inches away from the affected region, and spray until soaked. If the afflicted region is on your face, spray the cream on your palm and apply it to the area.
- For a foam-type lidocaine cream- Still, give the bottle a good shake before using it. Apply the foam on your palm and gently massage it on the affected region.
- Unless you’re treating a specific region on your hands, wash your hands instantly after use. It’s best not to get the product in your eyes, nose, or ears. If the lidocaine cream gets into these places, wash the area thoroughly with clean water as soon as possible.
- The lidocaine dosage is determined by your medical diagnosis and treatment response. Never use the cream more than your dosage, never use it more frequently, or use it longer than the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you suspect you’ve overdosed on this medicine, call a poison control center or go to the nearest medical facility right away.
- You should never use a lidocaine cream without first visiting your physician if the area you want to apply it in has an infection or a lesion. Get medical attention immediately if your condition persists or worsens or if you suspect a significant medical issue.
- Be cautious and avoid being injured when you use lidocaine cream because you may be unaware of discomfort due to the numbness brought by the topical anesthetic. Never chew bubblegum or eat for at least an hour after using the cream in your throat or mouth. If you are still experiencing numbness, chewing or swallowing may cause you to choke or bite your tongue. In addition, you may not experience pain from hot food and beverages.
- Lidocaine cream should not be used on infected, exposed, or injured skin. It could increase the quantity of drug that travels through your skin, putting you at risk for dangerous adverse effects.
- Some adverse effects that you should look out for include difficulty breathing, vision changes, drowsiness, fever, nausea, seizure, allergic reactions, and tremor. If you feel and experience any of these things, seek medical attention immediately.