Lidocaine 101

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is often used topically to numb or relieve pain in areas of the body. Available in various formulations and concentrations, lidocaine has various uses and benefits including:

Topical Pain Relief	Lidocaine is commonly used to alleviate pain associated with minor skin irritations, burns, cuts, and insect bites. It can be applied before certain medical procedures, such as  the insertion of intravenous (IV) catheters or minor dermatological procedures, to reduce discomfort.
Dermal Procedures	Lidocaine cream is often applied before cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments, microdermabrasion, and tattooing to minimize pain and discomfort.
Hemorrhoids	Lidocaine cream can be used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
Sunburns	It may be used to soothe pain and discomfort caused by sunburns.
Minor Skin Conditions	Lidocaine can be applied to alleviate pain related to minor skin conditions like rashes and eczema.
Preventive Measures for Pain	Lidocaine cream can be used to reduce pain before certain activities that may cause discomfort, such as applying it to the skin before waxing.
Temporary Relief of Neuropathic Pain	In some cases, lidocaine cream may be used to provide temporary relief from neuropathic pain, although it might not be the first-line treatment for this type of pain.

It's important to follow the recommended usage instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have sensitive skin or have health conditions before using lidocaine cream.