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What is Lidocaine Ointment?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Lidocaine ointment is a topical preparation of lidocaine, a local anesthetic that can be absorbed through the skin. Ointments containing low concentrations of lidocaine are available in many drugstores over the counter, while stronger preparations can be prescribed for the treatment of specific conditions. Lidocaine itself is also available in the format of an injectable medication used for minor surgical procedures and dental surgery. Injectable lidocaine is usually only available to medical practitioners because it can be dangerous.

This drug works by blocking the signals sent by nerves to tell the brain that the body is experiencing pain. Lidocaine ointment is recommended for situations like sunburns, rashes, and other lesions that cause pain, irritation, or itching. While pain signals can be very valuable for the brain to receive when an injury is initially sustained, prolonged pain and irritation are not enjoyable and topical lidocaine can be used to make people more comfortable.

Lidocaine is available as an injectable medication for dental surgery.
Lidocaine is available as an injectable medication for dental surgery.

Some lidocaine ointment products are designed for specific uses like treating sunburns. The ointment can be blended with other ingredients that are designed to moisturize and protect the skin, as seen in products that mix lidocaine and aloe vera for burns. Lidocaine can also be mixed with antibiotics for the treatment of cuts and scrapes.

Ointments available over the counter are often sufficient to manage minor injuries. It is important to wash the skin with mild soap and pat it dry before applying lidocaine ointment, and to monitor the progress of healing. If the injury gets worse or does not appear to be improving after several days, a doctor should be consulted for treatment recommendations.

Lidocaine ointment may be used on sunburns.
Lidocaine ointment may be used on sunburns.

Prescription lidocaine ointment is stronger and may be prescribed for pain management and certain other applications by a doctor. It is important to use it as directed and to be aware that because it is stronger, it will behave differently than ointments purchased over the counter. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs should be stored out of reach of young children and pets in order to avoid accidental ingestion.

Lidocaine ointment may be prescribed for pain management.
Lidocaine ointment may be prescribed for pain management.

Like other medications, lidocaine ointment can conflict with other drugs a patient is taking, including over-the-counter medications. A pharmacist or doctor should be consulted before applying lidocaine to confirm that a patient has no medications or conditions that could interact badly with lidocaine. Patients should also be aware that some people are not sensitive to lidocaine and in these individuals, the drug does not have a strong anesthetic effect.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon995060

My pain-med doctor prescribes this stuff for me. Applying it by itself proved to be completely ineffective. However, she had a trick up her sleeve--she instructed me to mix it with Icy Hot Balm until it started giving some over-the-top relief. It works like a champ and has let me get away from the instant release Oxycodone pills that I was taking for the over-the-top pain. Those pills are so addicting, also otherwise very dangerous and undesirable because they seem to be a short term memory, stealing pill in disguise. Two thumbs up from me!

anon232708

My 8 year old used lidocaine ointment usp 5 percent by mistake the other day. She had a rash between her legs and around her private parts. Will this hurt her? What I mean is, she said everything was numb and she did not feel anything. I told her to wash it off and use the ointment the doctor gave her.

John57

I have also used a numbing cream for insect bites. As soon as I get a mosquito bite or any bug bite, I apply a small amount of Lidocaine. This helps with the itching right away.

It also comes in a gel form and works just the same as the ointment or cream. That is just a matter of personal preference.

LisaLou

I definitely agree -- I use Lidocaine all the time. One good tip though, if you're unable to find Lidocaine, you can also use Benzocaine for similar results -- I found that out on vacation one time when I got a sunburn. Benzocaine works as a local anesthetic for numbing pain. This is also available over the counter at your local pharmacy.

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    • Lidocaine is available as an injectable medication for dental surgery.
      By: Valeriy Velikov
      Lidocaine is available as an injectable medication for dental surgery.
    • Lidocaine ointment may be used on sunburns.
      By: Glamy
      Lidocaine ointment may be used on sunburns.
    • Lidocaine ointment may be prescribed for pain management.
      By: FirstBlood
      Lidocaine ointment may be prescribed for pain management.
    • A doctor can offer consultation on lidocaine ointment use.
      By: Shakzu
      A doctor can offer consultation on lidocaine ointment use.
    • Lidocaine can be mixed with antibiotic ointment to treat cuts and scrapes.
      By: 2xSamara.com
      Lidocaine can be mixed with antibiotic ointment to treat cuts and scrapes.