About lidocaine skin cream

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic. Using the skin cream makes your skin numb. It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.

You can use it before having blood taken or having a drip put in. Your doctor or nurse may also tell you to use it before having a small surgical procedure.

Lidocaine skin cream is available on prescription.

You can also buy it from a pharmacy to use before any cosmetic procedure involving a needle.

Some of the skin creams contain lidocaine mixed with other local anaesthetics such as prilocaine.

There are different types of lidocaine for other conditions, including mouth gels, throat sprays, suppositories and medicated plasters.