Topical anaesthetic cream.

Numbing creams contain local anaesthetics such as lidocaine, prilocaine or tetracaine, which temporarily block the conduction of skin nerves. After 20 to 40 minutes under film the epidermis is largely numb; the effect lasts about an hour. Redness or temporary pallor of the skin is normal.

The cream makes sense for treatments with many superficial punctures – lips, skin boosters, microneedling, hyperhidrosis – and for sensitive people. For botulinum toxin in the face it is usually unnecessary because the needles are very fine. The cream does not reach deep injections on the bone; here it helps that most hyaluronic acid fillers already contain lidocaine.

Side effects are rare: skin irritation, allergic reactions to lidocaine (very rare). If you know you do not tolerate local anaesthetics, please say so beforehand. The cream is applied in the practice; applying it yourself at home is not necessary.

This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).