Why not to use numbing cream?

Author: Dr. Izabella Kihn  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

When these products that contain high concentrations of lidocaine intended to be used before or during certain cosmetic procedures are applied in ways that could lead to increased absorption of the drug product through the skin, it may lead to serious injury such as irregular heartbeat, seizures and breathing ...

Why should you not use numbing cream?

How long you should keep it on: If you leave large amounts of numbing cream on your skin for extended periods of time, the active ingredient may be absorbed into your bloodstream. This can cause life-threatening side effects, such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, difficulty breathing, and coma or death.

Why do tattoo artists say not to use numbing cream?

Most artists don't like numbing cream because it changes the texture of the skin and can effect healing.

Where should you not put numbing cream?

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, or broken or inflamed skin. Be careful not to get any of the ointment in your eyes, because it can cause severe eye irritation.

What are the side effects of numbing cream toxicity?

Early symptoms are circumoral numbness, tongue paresthesia, and dizziness. Sensory complaints may include tinnitus and blurred vision. Excitatory signs, such as restlessness, agitation, nervousness, or paranoia, may progress to muscle twitches and seizures.

WHY I REFUSE TO USE NUMBING CREAM for tattoo appointments

What is the major drawback of topical lidocaine?

The most common side effects of topical lidocaine are temporary redness, swelling, or a burning sensation where it is applied. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

What is the safest numbing cream?

Lidocaine skin cream is generally very safe. The most common side effects are itching and tingling. Avoid scratching or rubbing the treated area of skin, or exposing it to extreme heat or cold, until the numbing effect has worn off.

Why is pain worse after numbing cream wears off?

Also, if the numbing cream wears off mid-tattoo, this can make the process more painful as the nerves come back to life.

Who should avoid lidocaine?

Who may not be able to use lidocaine skin cream
  • you've ever had an allergic reaction to lidocaine or any of the other ingredients.
  • the skin where you need to use the cream has cuts, rashes, eczema, bleeding or scabs, or if the skin feels sore.

How bad is a tattoo with numbing cream?

In some cases, it can make the tattoo harder to produce, if not impossible altogether–as numbing cream pulls the blood supply away from the area, making it harder to tattoo effectively, as it becomes greasy, flabby and otherwise a hard surface to use. The long and short is that it can both be good and bad.

Why can't you use numbing cream before a tattoo?

Numbing creams and gels that weren't made for tattoos could mess up your experience. If they have fragrance or artificial ingredients, like some numbing creams used for skin waxing, they might irritate your skin. If they're very oily, they may make it difficult for your tattoo artist to do their job.

Why don't tattoo artists use numbing cream?

Skin Texture Changes: Numbing creams can alter the texture of the skin, making it more difficult to tattoo. This can affect the precision and quality of the tattoo.

What happens if you use too much mouth numbing cream?

An overdose of benzocaine topical applied to the skin can cause life-threatening side effects such as a pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails; uneven heartbeats; seizures (convulsions); coma; slowed breathing; or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Why put cling film over numbing cream?

Cover Emla cream with an air-tight, water-tight dressing or plastic wrap, so the active ingredients absorb into the skin and do not get wiped off. If the area to be numbed is too large for a dressing, some people cover the skin with cling film.

What are the cons of numbing cream?

Side effects of needle numbing cream can include:
  • Temporary whitening of the skin, which is normal.
  • Redness, itching, or rash. If your child develops these symptoms, wipe the cream off and call their pediatrician.

How to make tattoos hurt less?

Just remember to use numbing cream before starting your session; take breaks throughout; choose smaller tattoos over large ones; avoid sensitive areas; and use ice both during and after your session! With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way towards getting the perfect traditional tattoo in no time—painlessly!

Why do I still feel pain with lidocaine?

The pain is due to the perforation of the skin, the injected liquid activating stretch receptors in the deeper tissues, and the chemical composition of the injected substance. It is possible to reduce the pain due to the anaesthesia itself.

How do you make a needle not hurt without numbing cream?

Try to distract yourself by talking to someone while injecting or listening to soothing music. Sitting rather than standing can also help to relax your muscles. Apply an ice pack to the injection site about 15 minutes before you plan to administer your medication.

What is a natural numbing remedy?

Clove oil and peppermint contain natural compounds that have anesthetic properties, while ice physically numbs the area and reduces swelling. It's important to note that while these remedies can provide significant relief, they are temporary solutions.

How to numb a private area?

Lidocaine ointment and jelly can be used for everyday activities that cause pain, such as inserting a tampon, having a pap smear, visiting your physical therapist or riding a bike.

What do hospitals use for numbing cream?

Lidocaine and prilocaine topical cream is used on the skin or in the genital area to cause numbness or loss of feeling before certain medical procedures. It is also used to prevent pain caused by an injection, the drawing of blood from a vein, or minor surgeries such as removing warts.

Can topical lidocaine affect your heart?

Products containing lidocaine over 4% can contribute to health problems like an irregular heartbeat, seizures and breathing difficulties, the FDA explained.

Why doesn't numbing cream work on me?

Not everybody processes local anesthetic the same. For instance, redheads tend to require more anesthesia than non-red heads. Some bodies remove the numbing agent much faster than others. The effects might wear off before the dentist even begins the procedure.

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