Getting a tattoo, skin needling, removing skin tags, or any potentially painful skin procedure is not a competition to find out how tough you are or how much pain you can endure. If anything, your pain only makes it harder for the artist, nurse, or doctor to do their job with perfection. And you obviously wouldn't want that, would you?

How to Apply Numbing Cream

No matter how tough you think you are, there’s no getting away from the fact that pain is inevitable when it comes to tattoos. Many of us don’t know what to expect when we go for our first tattoo, so it’s best to be as well informed and prepared as possible – both in terms of pre-care and post-care.

Why Numbing Creams?

First and foremost, why numbing creams? “Local anesthetics are helpful because they temporarily reduce local pain sensation without altering the structure of the skin, or requiring injections or downtime associated with general anesthesia,” says Dr. Shainhouse.

How Do Numbing Creams Work?

It’s important to understand that topical anesthetics do not reach the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue, Shainhouse explains. Because of this, they’re a better option for superficial procedures, like lasers, and shallow needle pricks [tattooing]. “When left on for 60 minutes, some anesthetics can reach 2.5-3mm deep. When left on for 120 minutes, some can reach 4.5-5mm deep,” she says. “Most topical anesthetics are available in cream, ointment or are gel based. The better they can penetrate the skin to reach the cell membranes of the underlying nerves, the better (and longer) they will work.” (Source: readinsideout.com)

What Side Effects Should I Watch Out For?

The initial symptoms of anesthetic-induced toxicity include lightheadedness, lip or tongue numbness, double vision, and ringing in the ears, Shainhouse says. “Many adverse reactions also appear to be related to the inclusion of epinephrine within the anesthetic mixture,” she says. Another thing to note: Shainhouse says that the ester class of anesthetics are known for their association with allergic contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a red and itchy rash that is caused by direct contact with a substance, or an allergic reaction. The rash may not develop after the first application, but may develop after subsequent or regular use, she says.

Need Some Recommendations?

EMLA Cream (lidocaine 2.5%/ prilocaine 2.5%) is easily available with a prescription and is safe for most adults and kids.