Uses for Lidocaine Cream
Lidocaine cream is a topical anesthetic. It is used to control pain on the skin by preventing nerves from sending signals of pain to the brain. Because of this, it is used in many dermatological procedures. It is also used in some cosmetic procedures that can cause pain on the skin.
Lidocaine cream is a topical anesthetic. It is used to control pain on the skin by preventing nerves from sending signals of pain to the brain. Because of this, it is used in many dermatological procedures. It is also used in some cosmetic procedures that can cause pain on the skin. The effect of lidocaine cream remains on the surface of the skin, so it is not used for pain that is felt below the skin, such as muscle pain. It is important to wash hands after the application of lidocaine cream and to contact a physician if there are any adverse reactions.
Typical Clinical Procedures
According to "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology," local anesthetics such as lidocaine cream are used in clinical procedures to control pain on the surface of the skin such as the removal of lesions, skin biopsies and electrocautery.
Injections or IV
According the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, lidocaine cream can be an effective pretreatment for needle insertions in children. The needle could be from either an injection or an IV. Because children can become afraid of injections and IVs due to the pain associated with needle pricks, the application of lidocaine cream prior to an injection or the insertion of an IV needle can ease the psychological stress felt by a child.
Chemotherapy
According to the Osaka Minami National Hospital, lidocaine cream can aid in the prevention of thermal stress during the hyperthermia that results from chemotherapy.
Cosmetic Surgery
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, lidocaine is an effective treatment for controlling pain that is associated when lips are injected with filler substances for cosmetic reasons.
Other Uses
Lidocaine cream is used for the treatment of some skin conditions that cause pain, itching or discomfort. These conditions include minor burns, hemorrhoids, insect bites, scratches and eczema.