What is Lidocaine & How can it help me?
Lidocaine is a numbing agent that is used to relieve pain and decrease inflammation by blocking nerve impulses that send pain sensations to the brain. It is used to treat joint pain in areas such as knees, shoulders, hips, and ankles. When injected into these areas it temporarily fills the joint space and numbs it in order to alleviate pain and help increase range of motion. Lidocaine is also used to treat “trigger points” or “knots” which are local areas of pain caused by muscles that spasm. It helps to relax these muscles and alleviate the spasms. These areas can be located throughout the body including the neck, back, arms, and legs.
How lidocaine works
Lidocaine topical products ease pain and skin irritation by numbing the nerves and making them less sensitive to pain or irritation. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic, meaning it only lowers pain in the area of skin closely around or directly in contact with the medication.
Can I apply lidocaine topical products directly on my skin for minor skin injuries?
When possible, first clean your injuries with mild soap and water, and pat dry before applying lidocaine topical products. This will not only help remove dirt from your wounds, but also help prevent infection. After cleaning your injuries, you can apply this medication directly to your skin.
What is the difference between the different lidocaine topical products?
Lidocaine topical products come in different strengths and forms. Depending on what you’re using this medication for or depending on personal preference, certain strengths and forms may work better or be more appropriate for you. For example, the lidocaine 4% cream can be used to treat hemorrhoids. The lidocaine 4% foaming soap can be used to both clean and numb the skin during procedures like tattooing or piercing. The lidocaine spray might be more convenient to use if you want to avoid getting the medication on your hands. Each product has specific instructions for use. To make sure you’re using lidocaine topical products correctly, refer to the product’s administration directions and talk to your provider or pharmacist.
