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.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
EMLA CreamLidocaine/Prilocaine
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.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
EMLA CreamLidocaine/Prilocaine
EMLA CreamLidocaine/Prilocaine
FAQ: EMLA Cream
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is EMLA Cream similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
There are other topical anaesthetics containing lidocaine. One of these is LMX4 Cream, although this doesn’t contain prilocaine too like EMLA. So it works in a similar way, but not exactly the same. If you’re sensitive to prilocaine, LMX4 Cream might be a better option for you.
There’s also a spray containing both lidocaine and prilocaine, called Fortacin. This spray has the same active ingredients as EMLA Cream, but in slightly different doses. Fortacin is also only licensed as a premature ejaculation treatment, rather than a local anaesthetic. While EMLA Cream is sometimes used for premature ejaculation, this is an off-label use.
Can I use EMLA Cream before a tattoo?
Answer:
Applying EMLA Cream before you have a tattoo is an off-label treatment. This means it’s not specifically licensed for this, but we know it works. If you want to use EMLA Cream to reduce pain during a tattoo, talk to us. We’ll help you figure out if that might be right for you and give you advice on using it.
If you want to use EMLA Cream to reduce pain while getting a tattoo, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure you apply it at least sixty minutes before the tattooing is due to start, and note how long it’s likely to take. EMLA Cream only lasts for a few hours. You should also chat to your tattoo artist and let them know you’re using EMLA. Because EMLA works on the skin, there’s a chance it could affect how your tattoo looks.
Do I need a prescription for EMLA Cream?
Answer:
EMLA Cream is a pharmacy medication. That means you don’t need a prescription for it, but you will need to get it from a registered pharmacy after talking to a licensed clinician. At Treated, we can take care of all this for you online.
Just talk to us about why you’re interested in EMLA Cream and give us a few details about your health. We’ll then check that EMLA Cream is suitable for you. If it’s safe for you to take, you can order EMLA Cream online from us.
Why should I buy EMLA Cream online with Treated?
Answer:
Don’t let pain or discomfort stop you from accessing the medical care you need. At Treated, we can make getting your topical anaesthetic online easy. Talk to our clinicians to get expert recommendations on the treatments available, and you can choose the option that suits you best.
We’ll check up on you after you use EMLA Cream to make sure everything went well. Our clinicians are also available to answer any questions you might have about using EMLA Cream. To get answers, just log into your account and send us a message.
Recommendations for the management of retarded ejaculation: BASHH Special Interest Group for Sexual Dysfunction. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 17(1), pp.7–13.
Atan, A., Basar, M.M., Tuncel, A., Ferhat, M., Agras, K. and Tekdogan, U. (2006).
Comparison of efficacy of sildenafil-only, sildenafil plus topical EMLA cream, and topical EMLA-cream-only in treatment of premature ejaculation. Urology, 67(2), pp.388–391.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
