Topical anaesthetics

Anaesthetics are used to prevent the nerve endings from emitting pain signals in a particular area during a surgical procedure. In minor cases involving the skin, such as during the administration of an injection or vaccination, wart removal or cryotherapy, a local anaesthetic may be distributed over the area of skin affected in order to help the process pass with the minimum amount of discomfort.

Insulin injections are a common fixture for many people living with type-1 diabetes, as are blood sugar tests, which are also undertaken with a needle. Vaccinations tend to be more often issued to those travelling abroad to a tropical location for a prolonged period; and to those who are susceptible to opportune infections such as flu.

People undergoing various cosmetic procedures, such as a tattoo, ear piercing or wart removal, may be required to stay seated and remain still for a period of time. When needles or incisions are being placed in the skin, this can understandably prove troublesome for many, and might also cause feelings of anxiety.

EMLA Cream is an example of a topically applied local anaesthetic which can help to desensitise an area of skin. It contains prilocaine and lidocaine.

These work by preventing chemicals from reacting with nerve endings under the skin, a process which plays an integral role in the transmission of pain signals to the brain. By interfering with this reaction, EMLA stops pain signals from being sent to the brain and reduce the amount of pain felt, creating numbness in the area of application.

Please note that we do not offer EMLA for topical anaesthetic purposes through our pharmacy at this time. If you are due to undergo one of the procedures above and require preparatory treatment, we recommend you speak to your doctor or pharmacist in person.