Numbing Creams

When time permits, needle pain can be greatly reduced using topical pain relief - pharmaceuticals, specifically topical anesthetic creams and gels -- which numb the skin in 20 – 60 minutes. These pain management creams have shown, in studies, to lesson pain sensations from IV sticks and other needle procedures.

This topical pain relief option has also been tested for Botox injection pain, tattoo removal, and laser hair removal pain to name a few. One over-the-counter and several prescription pain control creams are available in the United States.

We want to help you decide if one is right for you, and teach you how to use them for maximum effect.

Doctor's offices or hospitals may have equipment which enhances the speed of topical anesthetic absorption or that pushes lidocaine under the skin to numb it in minutes (as opposed to 20-60 minutes.) These types of anesthetic equipment are primarily for IV starts, and are described on this page about Iontophoresis and other devices to enhance Lidocaine absorption.

We include cold spray in this list as well since some doctors' offices offer this option. Although it's not a pharmaceutical form of medical pain relief, it is NOT available over the counter.

We also include Buzzy™ as an alternative to medical pain relief. When time does NOT allow for a cream or for those who do not like the numbing sensation of the topical creams, Buzzy may be a perfect solution.

Buzzy is listed first because, hey! It's our website! Actually, these are listed in order of expert preference balancing cost, time, effectiveness, and ease of use for IV sticks. Side effects or individual preference may change the order for you.

Topical Pain Relief Options:

Type - Device
Over the counter - Yes
Price per use - <$1
Minimum Time to be effective - 30 seconds
Bonus info!- Natural pain relief plus distraction. Cute!

Eloquest's Anesthetic Cream LMX4:

Type - Cream
Over the counter - Yes
Price per use - $6
Minimum Time to be effective - 20 minutes
Bonus info!- Safe, may wear off quickly

EMLA:

Type - Cream
Over the counter - No
Price per use - $8
Minimum Time to be effective - 60 min
Bonus info!- Deepest penetration

Synera:

Type - Patch
Over the counter - No
Price per use - $12
Minimum Time to be effective - 20 min
Bonus info!- Heat release mechanism, improves IV starts

Pain-Ease:

Type - Cold Spray
Over the counter - No
Price per use - <$1
Minimum Time to be effective - 30 seconds
Bonus info!- Cold may hurt younger than 6 years, not proven better than placebo until 9 years

Ametop:

Type - Gel
Over the counter - Yes, outside US
Price per use - N/A in USA
Minimum Time to be effective - 20 min
Bonus info!- Lasts 4-6 hours

Myolaxin:

Type - Ointment
Over the counter - Made and available In India
Price per use - <$2
Minimum Time to be effective - 60 min
Bonus info!- Capsaicin ointment 15%, Hot pepper pain relief

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