It's really annoying when your skin gets a little burned, or you get bitten by an ant and itches a lot, isn't it? Sometimes, the pain and itching caused by a condition like eczema can be unbearable. At times like these, a doctor may prescribe a topical numbing cream. Lidocaine is a medication that is used for such cases. Let's talk about this in detail and simply.
What kind of medicine is Lidocaine?
Simply put, Lidocaine is an anesthetic . But it's not a general anesthetic for surgery. It numbs the area where it's applied and the surrounding tissue for a short time. That means it loses sensation. It's like a numbing medication given to numb the gums before a tooth is extracted.
So because it eliminates this feeling, this medicine is often used for things like:
- Itching and discomfort caused by eczema.
- Minor burns and sunburn.
- Skin rashes.
- Pain and itching caused by insect bites.
- Discomfort caused by conditions such as hemorrhoids.
- To control pain and itching caused by other skin conditions.
What should I tell the doctor before using this medicine?
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will ask you a few questions. But it's important that you keep these things in mind as well. That information will determine whether this medicine is right for you or not, and how it should be given.
- Heart disease: Be sure to tell us if you have any heart conditions.
- Skin condition: You should tell us if there is a skin infection, open wound, or cut in the area where the medicine will be applied.
- Allergies: It is very important to know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Lidocaine or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should also inform them that you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is safe for you.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a medicine that is only for application to the skin. Do not take it by mouth for any reason . Use it exactly as your doctor tells you.
1. Apply a thin layer: Usually, you apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of skin. There is no need to apply it too thickly.
2. Keep away from eyes: Avoid contact with eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
3. Take the medicine at the right time: Take the medicine at the right time, as directed by your doctor. Do not use more than prescribed.
4. If giving to children: If giving this medicine to young children, it is necessary to talk to a pediatrician about it. Although it is recommended for children in some selected cases, it requires special precautions.
What to do if you use too much?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is very important.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I forget to take my medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Watch for symptoms: If your symptoms (itching, pain) do not improve with medication, or if they get worse, tell your doctor. If you see signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, pus) at the injection site, see a doctor immediately.
- Be careful with the numb area: When you apply this medicine, the area will feel numb, so you won't feel any pain. Therefore , you need to be very careful not to injure or harm the area. For example, if your numb hand touches something hot, you may get burned because you don't feel it.
- Do not apply to broken skin: As mentioned earlier, do not apply this medication to infected, open wounds, or broken skin. Doing so increases the risk of serious side effects by increasing the amount of medication absorbed through the skin.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Lidocaine can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. The table below lists these side effects and what to do about them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, eczema, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Vision changes, fever, chills, seizures, tremors, irregular heartbeat. |
| Mental changes | Confusion, agitation, restlessness. |
| Other | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Skin changes | Paleness or redness of the skin where the medicine is applied. |
| Numbness | Numbness in the area where the medicine was applied (this is expected, but if it is bothersome, tell your doctor ). |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of Lidocaine. Remember, if you have any questions about any medication, the best person to ask is your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Lidocaine is a numbing medicine used to treat skin pain and itching.
- Before using this, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- You should apply the medicine exactly as the doctor says. Don't let it get in your eyes, and don't take it by mouth.
- The medicine will sting when applied, so be very careful to protect the area from harm.
- Do not apply this to infected or broken skin.
- If you experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, severe allergies, or seizures, go to a hospital immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න