Description

What is Emla 5% Cream?
Emla 5% Cream is a topical numbing cream containing two active ingredients, lignocaine and prilocaine, that temporarily numb the skin to help prevent pain during certain medical or cosmetic procedures.

 

How Does Emla 5% Cream Work?
Emla Cream works by blocking nerve signals in the skin. Normally, when the skin is touched or injured, nerves send pain signals to the brain. The ingredients in Emla Cream stop these signals, numbing the area to make procedures more comfortable.

 

What Is Emla 5% Cream Used For?
Emla Cream is used for numbing the skin before various medical procedures, such as:

• Vaccinations and injections (especially for children)
• Minor skin surgeries
• Hair removal treatments
• Piercings and other cosmetic procedures.

 

How Long Does Emla Cream Take to Work?
Emla Cream starts to numb the skin in about 30 to 60 minutes after application. The more cream used, the stronger the numbness.

 

How Long Does Emla Cream Last?
Emla Cream provides numbness for at least two hours, though it can last up to five hours if left on longer.

 

Who Can Use Emla Cream?
Emla Cream is generally safe for most adults and children, but not everyone should use it. Avoid using it if:

• You have a history of allergic reactions to lignocaine, prilocaine, or any other ingredients in the cream.
• You have certain skin conditions, such as cuts, eczema, rashes, or bleeding in the area where the cream will be applied.
• You have rare health conditions, such as porphyria, methaemoglobinaemia, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

 

Does Emla Cream Have Any Side Effects?
Most people do not experience side effects from Emla Cream, but mild effects may include:

• Itching, tingling, redness, or swelling at the application site.

In very rare cases, an allergic reaction can occur, with symptoms such as:

• Skin rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing or tightness in the chest
• Swelling in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat

If you experience these, seek medical help immediately.

 

How Should You Use Emla 5% Cream?

• Wash your hands before applying the cream.
• Apply a thick layer of cream to the skin area where numbing is required.
• Cover the area with a dressing or bandage to hold the cream in place.
• Wait for 30–60 minutes to allow the cream to take effect.

Always follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice on how long to leave it on, especially for children.