If you’ve ever felt anxious about the pain associated with getting a tattoo, you’re not alone. One solution that many people turn to is tattoo numbing cream, specifically those containing lidocaine. But what exactly is lidocaine, and how does it work to make your tattoo experience more bearable?
Lidocaine is a powerful local anesthetic that numbs and deadens the skin, stifling pain. When used topically, lidocaine inhibits pain impulses from being transmitted by stopping the sodium channels of the nerves. This inhibits the nerve cells from transmitting pain messages to your brain, effectively numbing pain sensation where used. The numbing effect is helpful when getting a tattoo, which involves continuous piercing of the skin.
Lidocaine usually begins to take effect between 20 to 60 minutes after being applied. It can last on the skin anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on the type of cream and how sensitive your skin is. That numb time allows your tattoo artist to work undisturbed and you not feel pain every minute during the process.
Why Tattoo Artists Use Lidocaine for Numbing Creams?
Tattoo artists are renowned for their ability to produce stunning, intricate artwork, but they also know how uncomfortable the process can be for clients. Although some individuals have a higher pain tolerance, others will find it a very painful experience to obtain a tattoo. This is where lidocaine numbing creams are useful.
Lidocaine is the go-to numbing medication for tattoos due to its action and efficiency. It takes effect quickly, normally in 20 to 30 minutes, upon application. That’s not much waiting time for your tattoo artist to get going. Furthermore, the long-lasting action of lidocaine assures that you’ll remain numb through the process even if the procedure lasts a couple of hours.
One reason why tattoo artists enjoy using lidocaine is its safety profile. When used as directed by the manufacturer, it is both safe and effective for the majority of their customers. Unlike most other anesthetics, lidocaine has no high potential for undesirable side effects, making it a good choice for pain management during tattooing.
Furthermore, it is an invasive-free product that puts clients in a relaxed and comfortable state, thus enabling the tattoo artist to be able to work on them without having to consider whether their client can endure pain or not.
How Do You Apply Lidocaine Numbing Cream Before Getting a Tattoo?
To get the most out of lidocaine numbing creams, it is important to use them properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use lidocaine-based numbing cream prior to your tattooing procedure:
Clean the Area:
Begin by cleaning the area of skin where the tattoo is to be done. Clean with mild soap and water to eliminate oils, sweat, or dirt on the skin’s surface. Carefully pat the area dry using a clean towel to make sure the skin is dry and clean.
Apply the Cream Generously:
Take a generous amount of lidocaine numbing cream and apply it evenly over the area that will be tattooed. Make sure to cover the entire surface where the tattoo will be, as this will ensure that the numbing effect is consistent across the entire area.
Cover the Area with Plastic Wrap:
After applying the cream, cover it with a thin sheet of plastic wrap. This is to trap heat and moisture, which will facilitate the cream’s absorption into the skin. The wrap also prevents the cream from being wiped or rubbed off.
Wait for Full Absorption:
Allow the cream to absorb into the skin for about 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, the lidocaine will start to numb the area, and you’ll begin to feel a tingling or cooling sensation. It’s important to follow the product’s instructions and avoid removing the cream too early.
Remove the Cream:
After your tattoo artist is ready to begin, take off the plastic wrap and gently remove any excess numbing cream with a clean tissue or paper towel. The skin will be numb, and you can now proceed with working on your tattoo!
By doing this, you’re allowing the numbing cream to work as well as it possibly can, giving you the most comfortable tattooing experience.
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Lidocaine-Based Numbing Creams?
While lidocaine is safe for most individuals when used as intended, it’s always better to know about possible side effects. They are rare but can happen in case of abuse of the cream or if one is allergic to lidocaine.
Common side effects are:
- Skin Reactions: Redness, swelling, or irritation on the site of application can be observed in some individuals. The reaction is usually temporary and disappears after the cream is removed by rubbing.
- Systemic Side Effects: In very rare cases, particularly if large amounts of the lidocaine in the cream are absorbed into your bloodstream, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, or an irregular heart rhythm can be the result. If any of these happen, it’s important to discontinue use of cream and seek immediate medical guidance.
- Allergic Reactions: An allergic reaction is rare but, in some individuals, can occur to lidocaine. If you have an allergic reaction, it can include itching, hives, a feeling of impending doom, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. If this happens, seek medical help immediately.
To reduce the risk of side effects, use only lidocaine-based numbing cream according to the manufacturer’s guidance. Don’t use more cream than guided and don’t use the cream on broken, irritated, or sensitive skin. If you’re not certain that it is safe for you to use lidocaine numbing cream, speak with a medical professional first.
How Much Lidocaine Is Safe for Tattoo Numbing Cream?
With regard to the level of concentration of lidocaine in tattoo numbing creams, products available over the counter mainly contain 5% lidocaine, which is mainly safe to use. The concentration of 5% gives effective numbing without subjecting the user to overabsorption.
One must avoid going over the concentration set. There are a few preparations that have a higher concentration of lidocaine, but they can only be used under a medical practitioner’s supervision. Higher concentration solutions tend to produce side effects and must be left for the professionals or should be utilized in a controlled setup.
If you’re considering using a numbing cream with a higher concentration, make sure to consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
Can Everyone Use Lidocaine-Based Numbing Creams?
While lidocaine is safe for most people, there are certain groups that should exercise caution or avoid using lidocaine numbing creams. These include:
- Pregnant or Lactating Women: One should consult a health practitioner prior to using any numbing cream if pregnant or lactating as the safety of lidocaine to the baby is not established.
- Individuals with Heart Conditions: Lidocaine impacts heart rhythm, and hence individuals with heart conditions like arrhythmias should refrain from using lidocaine except under a doctor’s recommendation.
- Individuals with Kidney or Liver Issues: Since lidocaine is broken down in the liver and eliminated via the kidneys, individuals with kidney or liver issues must exercise extra caution and advise a physician first before applying.
If you possess any of these conditions or are unsure if lidocaine would be appropriate for you, then it is best to seek consultation from a medical professional prior to applying.
Is Lidocaine Numbing Cream Effective in Stopping Pain Totally?
Although lidocaine numbing creams are very effective in pain relief, they may not be able to erase pain entirely for all individuals. Mild pain may still be felt by some, especially at thin-skinned sites or tender areas like the ribcage, elbows, or knees. But most people find that they have a considerably diminished sensation of pain, and this makes the tattooing a lot more bearable. To some people, the effect of numbing is enough to make the tattooing process a lot more bearable than it would be without the use of any numbing substances. If you are extremely sensitive to pain, you may want to discuss with your tattoo artist other ways to manage the pain so that you can stay as comfortable as possible.What Are the Best Practices for Using Lidocaine Numbing Cream During a Tattoo?
To make sure you get the most out of lidocaine numbing creams, here are some tips to keep in mind so that the experience is smooth:- Use on Newly Cleaned Skin: Begin with dry and clean skin. This allows the cream to penetrate easily and does not clog the numbing ingredients with oil or dirt.
- Do Not Overdo the Dosage: It’s easy to want to apply more than directed to enhance the numbing effect, but taking more can cause side effects. Follow the instructions to be on the safe side.
- Follow Timing Guidelines: Make sure to leave the cream on for the recommended time. Don’t rush the process, as this could reduce its effectiveness.
- Avoid Applying to Broken Skin: Never apply lidocaine cream to open cuts or broken skin, as this can lead to increased absorption and higher chances of irritation or side effects.
