Does numbing cream work on tattoos? 

In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “Does numbing cream work on tattoos?” Also, we’ll explore what numbing cream is, what its indicated uses are, and some basic guidelines for keeping tattooed skin healthy. 

Does numbing cream work on tattoos? 

Although numbing cream can help reduce some pain and discomfort from a tattoo, it may not fully remove all sensation or pain from the tattooing process.

Readers who’ve recently undergone a tattoo inking session may find oral medication to be more helpful in treating discomfort in and around the area.

Other ointments may be indicated to treat inflammation and symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as steroid cream and antihistamines. 

Our readers should consult with a general practitioner or a licensed dermatologist if their tattoos cause discomfort that doesn’t subside within the period indicated by the professional artist

What is a numbing cream? 

Numbing creams are special lotions designed to provide superficial numbing of the skin layer and are usually applied locally to a skin patch to reduce sensitivity when getting a procedure, such as piercings, dermatological treatments, tattoos, etc. 

These creams contain special ingredients at generally low concentrations, which temporarily block the skin’s ability to perceive pain. Some of these creams contain Lidocaine, benzocaine, and pramoxine, to name a few active ingredients. 

The numbing effect’s duration can vary between ingredients and the concentration in each cream. 

Numbing cream can also be indicated for the treatment of sunburns, dermatitis, and superficial injuries (not penetrating wounds) such as bruises.

Some may be bought over-the-counter, whereas others in higher concentrations may only be available with prescriptions. 

Home remedies exist, though these provide scant relief in anticipation of pain, and their effects are most notable after the skin has been injured. 

What are the indicated uses for numbing cream? 

For numbing creams to maintain their efficacy, they should not be used regularly, and only sparingly when needed. 

These are often applied topically on the skin and massaged gently to allow for the skin to absorb them. 

Following approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on the ingredient and concentration, the skin in question can be treated with little or close to no sensitivity, until approximately 60 minutes after when the effect has subdued. 

Numbing cream may be contraindicated for those who have sensitivities or have been known to have adverse reactions to any of the ingredients in a numbing cream’s formulation. 

If our readers note any odd symptoms that aren’t listed on the numbing cream’s side effects, we encourage them to speak with a dermatologist, who will determine if treatment is necessary, and what formulation should be used in place of the one that triggered the reaction. 

What are some basic guidelines for keeping tattooed skin healthy? 

For proper healing of a tattoed area to occur, a light wash using mild soap and warm water should be done twice a day after the initial bandage has been removed. 

The tattoo should be patted gently until dry with a clean towel. Once the area is dry, a light layer of antibacterial cream should be gently applied to the skin. This treatment should continue until the area has fully healed.

Hygiene is essential, as our readers should bear in mind that a tattooing procedure consists in piercing the skin and injecting ink into the skin cells. Therefore, there is a possibility of sepsis, and strict measures should be taken to reduce the likelihood of infection. 

While the skin heals, it should be kept moisturized, out of direct sunlight, and readers should avoid taking baths in waters that may not be the cleanest (such as hot tubs, swimming pools, public baths, etc). 

To prevent the build-up of sweat and grime (such as bacteria, dead skin cells, and other particles) we encourage our users to wear comfortable clothing and avoid using synthetic fabrics that facilitate perspiration or stick to their newly tattooed skin. 

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we’ve addressed the search query: “Does numbing cream work on tattoos?” Also, we’ve explored what numbing cream is, what its indicated uses are, and some basic guidelines for keeping tattooed skin healthy. 

References 

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/871/pil#gref

https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-numbing-cream-5116837

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lidocaine-for-skin/

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/taking-care-of-your-tattoo#:~:text=Apply%20a%20layer%20of%20antibacterial,it%20to%20keep%20it%20moist.

https://www.drugs.com/otc/1336575/numbing-cream.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-numb-skin#takeaway

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/taking-care-of-your-tattoo#:~:text=Gently%20wash%20the%20tattoo%20with,reapplying%20the%20antibacterial%2FVaseline%20ointment.

Leave a Comment