Topical anesthetic

Topical anesthetic is a type of anesthetic that is used to numb the surface of a specific area of the body. They are used to relieve pain or discomfort caused by procedures such as surgery, dental procedures, or skin treatments.

Types of Topical Anesthetics

There are several types of topical anesthetics, including:

• Lidocaine: This is a common type of topical anesthetic that is often used in dental procedures or to numb the skin before a procedure.

• Benzocaine: This is another common type of topical anesthetic that is often used for pain relief from minor skin irritations, sore throat, sunburn, teething pain, vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids, and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body.

• Tetracaine: This is a type of topical anesthetic that is often used in ophthalmology to numb the surface of the eye.

Uses of Topical Anesthetics

Topical anesthetics are used in a variety of medical procedures, including:

• Dermatology: Topical anesthetics are often used in dermatology to numb the skin before procedures such as skin biopsies or skin lesion removal.

• Ophthalmology: In ophthalmology, topical anesthetics are used to numb the surface of the eye before procedures such as cataract surgery or corneal abrasion repair.

• Dentistry: In dentistry, topical anesthetics are used to numb the gums before procedures such as tooth extraction or root canal treatment.

Side Effects of Topical Anesthetics

Like all medications, topical anesthetics can have side effects. These can include:

• Allergic reaction: Some people may have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in a topical anesthetic.

• Skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or a rash after using a topical anesthetic.

• Numbness: Overuse of topical anesthetics can lead to prolonged numbness in the area where the anesthetic was applied.

See Also

• Anesthesia
• Local anesthesia
• General anesthesia

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