EMLA Cream

What is EMLA Cream?

EMLA Cream is a topical anaesthetic. It’s topical because you apply it straight to the skin that needs treatment, while anaesthetic means it numbs the area you put it on. EMLA Cream is used for relief before any minor procedures that cause pain to the skin. This could be blood tests, injections, wart removal, dilation and curettage or treating leg ulcers. It’s also sometimes used off-label for tattoos and laser hair removal. EMLA cream is often helpful for people with a fear of needles, letting them get the treatment they need without being limited by their phobias.

How does EMLA Cream work?

EMLA Cream has two active ingredients, lidocaine and prilocaine. They’re both a type of local anaesthetic called amino amides, that numb the skin they’re applied to so you don’t experience any pain. EMLA Cream affects the sodium ion channels of your nerve cells, blocking them from working. This means that they can’t transmit pain signals to your brain, so you won’t be in any discomfort. It’s a great option for any minor skin procedure or injection.

What doses of EMLA Cream are there?

EMLA Cream only comes in one dose, with 2.5% of lidocaine and 2.5% of prilocaine. So there’s 25mg each of lidocaine and prilocaine per gram of EMLA Cream. How much you apply will vary based on the area you’re putting it on. You’ll usually need 1-2g of cream per 10cm² of skin. EMLA Cream comes in a 5g tube and a 30g tube, so you can choose the amount that works best for you based on what you need it for. If you’re applying it to a bigger area, or you might need it a few times, the 30g tube might work best for you.

How to use EMLA Cream

You’ll usually need dressings to apply EMLA Cream, unless you’re putting it on your genitals. The 5g pack comes with dressings, but if you’re ordering the 30g pack, you’ll need to get your own dressings.

Your clinician will give you advice on how exactly to use EMLA Cream. Make sure to ask if you have any questions. If you’ve ordered from us, you can log into your account and send us a message.

• Make sure the area you’re applying EMLA Cream to is clean and dry.
• Squeeze the amount of cream you need onto the right area of skin. Don’t rub it in.
• Peel the paper label away from the centre of the non-sticky side of the dressing.
• Then, peel off the cover on the sticky side.
• Take the dressing, remove the backing and place it over the cream.
• Smooth down the edges of the dressing.
• Leave the dressing there for an hour or less. Take it off when you’re ready for the procedure.

How long does EMLA Cream take to work?

EMLA Cream usually takes about an hour to fully numb the skin, so make sure you apply it in time for your procedure. This is because EMLA Cream needs to absorb into the skin fully. So plan to use it at least sixty minutes before you need it to start working. Once you’ve applied EMLA Cream, the effects can last for up to four hours.

What should I do if I make a mistake while using EMLA Cream?

Don’t apply EMLA Cream to broken or damaged skin, like places you have cuts or eczema. There are a few other places on the body where it's not really safe to apply EMLA Cream. Keep it away from your eyes, ears, nose, anus and mouth.

Because it’s absorbed slowly through the skin, you’re unlikely to have side effects from too much EMLA Cream apart from numbness. If you do experience any unusual symptoms, get medical attention right away.

If you forget to use EMLA Cream in time for your procedure, it might not work to numb your skin. You can apply EMLA Cream now and delay the procedure if possible. Using extra EMLA Cream won’t make it work more effectively.