What is a Tattoo Numbing Cream?
A Emla numbing cream is a topical analgesic cream meant to reduce pain and discomfort during the tattooing process. The main active ingredients in most numbing creams are lidocaine and/or prilocaine, which are local anesthetics. When applied to the skin, these ingredients work to block pain signals from reaching the brain by interrupting sodium channels in the nerve fibers. This creates a temporary numbness, taking the sting out of the needle punctures during a tattoo session.
How Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Work?
For a Tattoo Numbing Cream to take effect, it needs to be applied to the skin area that will be tattooed 1-2 hours before the appointment. The active ingredients penetrate the outer layer of the epidermis and stimulate the skin's nociceptors. This confuses the pain signals meant for the brain, replacing them with an initial tingling or cooling sensation instead. As the cream absorption continues over 60-90 minutes, it will begin blocking sodium channels and nerve impulses traveling along C-fibers and A-delta fibers that normally signal pain. By the time tattooing begins, the treated area should have a numbed, tingling feeling rather than sharp pain from the needle.
What to Consider When Choosing a Emla numbing cream
There are a few key factors to think about when selecting a numbing cream:
- Active ingredients - Liquid lidocaine and prilocaine creams are most effective. Avoid sprays or roll-ons which won't absorb properly.
- Strength - Higher concentrations like 5% lidocaine provide stronger numbing than weaker 1-2% formulas.
- Application time - Allow at least 60 minutes but no more than 2 hours for absorption before tattooing.
- Skin sensitivity - Those with sensitive skin may want a lower strength cream or testing patch application first.
- Brand reputation - Reputable makers like Talika Tattoo Pain Relief Cream are most likely to give reliable numbing results.
- Cost - Higher end creams may offer enhanced formulas but generic store brands work well too.
When applying the cream, be generous and smooth a thick layer over the entire tattoo area. Reapply as per instructions if needed to maintain numbness through the entire session.
Does Emla numbing cream Eliminate All Pain?
While numbing creams can significantly reduce discomfort, they do not remove all sensation during tattooing. The level of pain blocked depends on factors like skin thickness, application method, and an individual's pain tolerance. In most cases, the numbing cream takes the "ouch" out of the needle pricks but may allow sharp pin-prick feelings or mild stinging to still be felt as the nerves are interrupted, not fully anesthetized like during surgery or dental procedures. Darker, liner work along with shading pack can still cause some soreness even with numbing as well. So the cream provides pain relief rather than total anesthesia for most people. With practice, tattoo artists also learn needle techniques that cause less trauma further minimizing discomfort.
Safety Considerations with Emla numbing cream
Numbing creams are generally very safe when used as directed on intact, non-irritated skin. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Allergy risk - As with any topical medication, there is a small chance of developing contact dermatitis or allergy to lidocaine or other ingredients over time. Those with known medicine sensitivities should do a patch test first.
- Application area - Only use on the skin surface getting tattooed.accidental absorption through delicate mucus membranes could potentially cause toxicity issues internally.
- Overuse - Do not reapply extra cream or keep skin coated for longer than instructed time periods as this may induce systemic side effects from excessive lidocaine absorption in rare cases.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding - The FDA categorizes lidocaine as pregnancy category B but it's best avoided during this time as a precaution unless absolutely necessary and approved by a medical provider.
- Medical conditions - Discuss use with your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems that could impact drug metabolizing and clearance from the body.
When utilized properly as directed prior to tattoo sessions, numbing creams provide safe and effective pain relief for the majority getting new ink while posing very low health risks. But as with any medication, proper usage guidelines should always be followed.
Alternatives to Emla numbing cream
For those wanting alternative pain control methods, here are some options:
- Over-the-counter oral analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken 1 hour prior according to dosage instructions to help reduce inflammation and perceived pain.
- Cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel and applied intermittently during tattooing helps constrict blood vessels, minimizing blood flow to the irritated area.
- Medical grade topical lidocaine patches prescribed by a doctor last up to 12 hours and don't require timing absorption like creams.
- Local tattoo numbing injections by a registered nurse or doctor. While very effective, they carry higher risks than topical creams.
- Distraction techniques like engaging in conversation, listening to music, or bringing a friend help shift the mind's focus away from sensations.
- Being well-rested, hydrated, and fed going into the appointment improves pain threshold versus when stressed or weak from hunger/thirst.
choosing the best pain prevention plan depends on individual tolerance, tattoo placement/size, and comfort level with various options both over-the-counter and medicated. Test patch safety when needed and consult a professional for optimal risk/benefit selection.
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