What is benzocaine cream?
Benzocaine cream is a topical anesthetic designed to provide temporary relief from minor pain and itching on the skin's surface. It belongs to a class of medications known as local anesthetics, which work by blocking nerve signals in the treated area. By temporarily numbing nerve endings, benzocaine can help alleviate discomfort from a variety of minor skin conditions, such as insect bites, minor burns, scrapes, and hemorrhoids.
How to use benzocaine cream: A step-by-step guide
To ensure safe and effective use, follow these steps carefully. Always read and follow the instructions on the product label for the specific formulation you are using.
Step 1: Prepare the area
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you begin.
- Clean the affected area with mild soap and water, then gently pat it dry. The cream works best on clean, dry skin.
Step 2: Apply the cream
- Squeeze a small, thin layer of cream onto your fingertip.
- Gently rub the cream into the affected skin until it is evenly distributed. Avoid applying excessive amounts, as this increases the risk of side effects.
Step 3: Aftercare
- Wash your hands again immediately after applying the cream to avoid accidentally transferring the medication to your eyes, mouth, or nose.
- If the treated area is on your hand, do not wash it after application.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other tight dressings unless specifically instructed by a doctor.
Step 4: Frequency of use
- Follow the frequency guidelines on the product label and the advice of a healthcare professional.
- Do not use the cream for longer than seven consecutive days without consulting a healthcare professional.
Important safety precautions and warnings
While benzocaine is widely available over-the-counter, it is not without risks. Being aware of these precautions is vital for safe usage.
- Risk of Methemoglobinemia: A rare but serious and potentially fatal blood disorder, methemoglobinemia, has been linked to benzocaine use. This condition reduces the amount of oxygen carried by the blood. Symptoms include pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds, as well as shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, and rapid heartbeat. If these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.
- Infants and Children: The FDA has issued strong warnings against using benzocaine products for teething in children under 2 years of age due to the risk of methemoglobinemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends alternative methods, such as a chilled teething ring or massaging the gums.
- Avoid certain areas: Benzocaine cream is for external use only. Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, and internal body surfaces unless the product is specifically designed for oral or rectal use and you have consulted a healthcare professional.
- Damaged or Large areas of skin: Do not apply benzocaine to large areas of the body or to broken, blistered, or severely burned skin, as this can increase systemic absorption and the risk of serious side effects.
- Allergic reactions: Stop use and consult a doctor if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling.
Benzocaine vs. Lidocaine: A comparative look
Benzocaine and lidocaine are both topical anesthetics, but they have key differences in potency and duration of action. Understanding these can help you choose the right product for your needs.
| Feature | Benzocaine | Lidocaine |
|---|---|---|
| Potency | Generally less potent than lidocaine. | Considered stronger and more potent for the same concentration. |
| Speed of Action | Can numb the area in as little as 30 seconds. | Can take slightly longer to take effect, around 3 to 5 minutes. |
| Duration of Effect | Shorter duration of action, typically lasting around 15 minutes. | Longer duration of action, often providing relief for 35 to 40 minutes. |
| Availability | Widely available over-the-counter in various forms (creams, gels, sprays). | Available in over-the-counter formulations, but stronger, prescription-only versions exist for medical procedures. |
| Common Use | Minor skin irritations, hemorrhoids, and mild oral pain. | Broader use, including more complex medical procedures and persistent nerve pain. |
| Risk of Methemoglobinemia | Risk exists, especially with oral products and in young children. | Risk also exists, and concurrent use with benzocaine is not recommended. |
Safe use checklist
To minimize risks and maximize benefits, consider this checklist before and during use.
Do's
- Do a patch test on a small area of skin if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
- Do use a very thin layer of cream to treat the affected area.
- Do use it only as needed, following the instructions on the product label or from a healthcare professional.
- Do contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days.
- Do keep the cream out of reach of children and pets.
Don'ts
- Don't use benzocaine cream for teething pain in infants and young children.
- Don't apply the cream to large areas of skin, especially if broken or inflamed.
- Don't use it on deep puncture wounds.
- Don't use it near an open flame or while smoking, as it may be flammable.
- Don't use other topical anesthetic products in the same area unless approved by a doctor.
Conclusion
Benzocaine cream offers effective, temporary relief for minor pain and itching when used correctly. The application process is straightforward: clean the area, apply a thin layer, and wash your hands thoroughly. However, its use comes with serious safety considerations, most notably the risk of methemoglobinemia, especially in infants and young children, for whom it should not be used. By carefully following the instructions on the product label and adhering to general safety guidelines, you can use benzocaine cream to manage minor skin discomfort while minimizing potential risks. If symptoms persist or any concerning side effects arise, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
For more information on the FDA's warnings regarding benzocaine, please visit their Drug Safety and Availability page.
