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EMLA Cream 5% - 5g

EMLA Cream 5% - 5g

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EMLA Cream 5% for Topical Anaesthesia

 

You can use this topical anaesthetic cream to numb your skin before minor medical procedures or injections. The cream contains two local anaesthetic agents that work together to provide effective numbing of the skin surface. Healthcare professionals commonly recommend this product for reducing discomfort during blood tests, vaccinations, and minor surgical procedures.

This 5g tube provides sufficient cream for multiple applications, making it suitable for both clinical and home use when prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional. The cream requires advance application time to achieve optimal numbing effects.

 

How This Topical Anaesthetic Works

 

The cream contains lidocaine and prilocaine, two local anaesthetic agents that temporarily block nerve signals in your skin. When you apply the cream to intact skin, these active ingredients penetrate the skin layers and prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. This creates a numbing effect that typically lasts for several hours after removal.

The dual-action formula provides more effective anaesthesia than single-agent preparations. The cream must remain in contact with your skin for a specific duration to achieve adequate numbing, usually requiring an occlusive dressing to enhance penetration.

 

Who Can Benefit from This Numbing Cream

 

This EMLA cream 5% suits adults and children who need skin numbing before medical procedures. Healthcare professionals often recommend it for patients who experience anxiety or discomfort during injections, blood draws, or minor skin procedures. You may find it particularly helpful if you have a fear of needles or sensitive skin.

The cream is suitable for use on various body areas, though specific application sites depend on the intended procedure. Consider exploring our range of creams and ointments for other topical treatments that may complement your healthcare needs.

  • Adults requiring numbing before injections or blood tests
  • Children needing comfort during medical procedures
  • Patients with needle phobia or anxiety
  • Individuals undergoing minor dermatological procedures

 

Why Choose This Established Anaesthetic Formula

 

This cream uses a well-established combination of lidocaine and prilocaine that has been clinically proven for topical anaesthesia. The formulation provides reliable numbing effects when applied correctly, making it a trusted choice among healthcare professionals worldwide. The cream's consistency allows for easy application and adherence to the skin surface.

The 5% concentration represents the standard strength for effective topical anaesthesia, balancing efficacy with safety considerations. This formulation has undergone extensive clinical testing to establish appropriate usage guidelines and safety profiles.

 

Proper Storage and Clinical Considerations

 

You should store this cream at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use to maintain the cream's effectiveness. The product should remain within its expiry date and be discarded appropriately after use.

Healthcare professionals will determine the appropriate application time and coverage area based on your specific procedure requirements. The cream should only be applied to intact, healthy skin unless specifically directed otherwise by a medical professional.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

 

Application Instructions for Optimal Numbing

You should apply a thick layer of cream to clean, dry skin at least 60 minutes before your procedure. The cream must completely cover the area requiring numbing, typically extending slightly beyond the procedure site. Your healthcare professional will specify the exact application time required, which may vary from 60 minutes to several hours depending on the procedure type.

After application, you need to cover the cream with an occlusive dressing or plastic wrap to enhance penetration and prevent the cream from rubbing off. This covering helps maintain contact between the cream and your skin, improving the anaesthetic effect.

Removal and Post-Application Care

You should remove the cream and dressing immediately before your procedure begins. Gently wipe away all visible cream using a clean tissue or gauze, then cleanse the area with an appropriate antiseptic solution if required by your healthcare provider. The numbing effect typically continues for 1-2 hours after cream removal.

Your skin may appear slightly pale or red after cream removal, which is normal and temporary. Avoid applying additional cream unless specifically instructed by your healthcare professional, as repeated applications may increase the risk of side effects.

Understanding Potential Side Effects

Like all medicines, EMLA Cream 5% can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are mild and occur at the application site, resolving naturally after the cream is removed and the anaesthetic effect wears off.

The most common side effects include temporary skin colour changes, mild burning or stinging sensations, and localised swelling at the application site. These effects typically develop during application and resolve within a few hours of cream removal. If you're exploring other topical treatments, our skin care collection offers various options for different skin concerns.

  • Temporary skin paleness or redness at application site
  • Mild burning or stinging sensation during application
  • Localised swelling or skin irritation
  • Temporary numbness extending beyond intended area
  • Skin rash or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals
  • Itching or tingling at the application site
  • Temporary skin discolouration
  • Mild skin dryness after cream removal
  • Rare cases of contact dermatitis
  • Temporary loss of temperature sensation

If you experience these or any other side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting side effects please see the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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