Clinical Blogs — topical anesthetics

Topical anesthetics (numbing agents) are commonly used in different cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal, electrolysis, microneedling, microblading, permanent makeup and tattooing. It is also indicated for reducing pain at injection site or muscle pain. The 'caines' including benzocaine, lidocaine and tetracaine are the active numbing ingredients. Lidocaine is most commonly seen in commercially available topical numbing products. It comes in cream and ointment forms. Prilocaine and lidocaine is another combination in which prilocaine helps to kick in faster before lidocaine. Benzocaine has the quickest onset of action, then lidocaine kicks in next and tetracaine comes in last. Other...