Comparison Between Lidocaine Spray Vs Cream

A topical anesthetic is a good solution for those who are about to get a tattoo, piercing, or undergo a minor surgery or cosmetic procedure. They are available in the form of a cream, as well as a spray - under different brand names. While both these forms of topical anesthetics are effective, you must know which one is economical and convenient for you.

In this article, we will discuss these two different forms of topical anesthetics and how they work to alleviate pain.

Numbing Cream

Topical anesthetic in form of a cream is very commonly available on the market. One can use a numbing cream to make the area numb before getting a piercing, tattoo, or minor surgery. The cream is absorbed by the skin on the very first application. NumbSkin is one trusted product to provide you the instant numbing effect that lasts for a very long time.

Pros:

• Numbing cream in form of a cream is easily available in a drug store.

• Starts its effect within a few minutes, post application.

• The advantage of applying a cream is that you can see where exactly you’re applying the product and can control the amount of the medicament on the targeted site.

Cons:

• While many water-based creams are non-sticky, many people believe these make their skin feel heavy and greasy.

• Takes more time for absorbing into the skin compared to a spray.

• Applied only before the skin procedures. These cannot be reapplied during the skin or cosmetic procedure.

Numbing Spray

Anesthetics sprays are used differently compared to the numbing creams in terms of application. The numbing formulations in form of sprays are tightly compressed and released in the form of droplets or mists on your skin. It works very effectively when applied on the skin surface. This form of anesthetic is very easy and convenient for you - as you don’t have to wash your hands before and after the application. Simply spray the medicament in the targeted site.

Pros:

• Spray anesthetics are quick and easy to apply

• Minimal effort is required once they’re sprayed onto the skin.

• Absorbed in the skin quickly and effectively.

• Provide instant relief.

• Can be applied again during the skin procedures, unlike topical anesthetics.

Cons:

• The major downside to spray anesthetics is that they are less robust or effective, as they’re often not applied properly.

• The problem with spray anesthetics is that the quality of spray applied on the skin cannot be determined. Hence, it is difficult to tell exactly how much amount has been applied. On the other hand, creams provide a clearer vision of how much amount has been put on the skin.

Conclusion

While both creams and sprays have the same numbing effect on the skin, some prefer topical anesthetics and others go for sprays. It clearly depends on one’s preference and convenience. Creams are easily available compared to sprays. But sprays are considered more hygienic as you cannot touch the medicament with dirty hands. These are simply sprayed over the target site without coming in contact with any dust or debris. Another advantage of sprays is that these can easily be reapplied on the skin even during skin procedures like tattooing, or minor surgeries. But this is not possible in case of creams. Well, you can use a topical anesthetic in between the skin procedure, but you have to wait for a few minutes to get the maximum numbing effect. This is not the case with sprays. With sprays, you get quick numbing effect instantly.

In short, there is a slew of factors that may encourage you to choose one type of anesthetic over another. But it totally depends on the user which form they would like to use as per their preference, budget, and convenience.