Topical anesthetic
Topical Anesthetic
A Topical Anesthetic (pronounced: top-i-kal an-es-thet-ic) is a type of anesthetic that is used to numb the surface of a specific area of the body. It is often used to relieve pain or discomfort caused by procedures such as dental work, skin treatments, or minor surgical procedures.
Etymology
The term "Topical Anesthetic" is derived from the Greek words "topikos" meaning "of a place" and "anaisthētikos" meaning "insensitive".
Types of Topical Anesthetics
There are several types of topical anesthetics, including:
- Lidocaine: A common type of topical anesthetic that is often used in dental procedures or to numb the skin before a minor surgical procedure.
- Benzocaine: This is often used in over-the-counter products to relieve pain or discomfort 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 used to numb the eye or ear for certain procedures.
Usage
Topical anesthetics are applied to the skin or mucous membranes to cause temporary numbness or loss of sensation. They are used to relieve pain or discomfort caused by minor injuries or medical procedures. They can also be used to numb an area of the body before a more invasive procedure is performed.
Side Effects
Like all medications, topical anesthetics can cause side effects. Common side effects include redness, swelling, or itching at the application site. More serious side effects can occur if the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Topical anesthetic
- Wikipedia's article - Topical anesthetic
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