Numbing Creams
Is Electrolysis painful? Years ago, yes. Today's machines are much less spicy. If you've had tattoos or laser, you will probably find that Electrolysis is less painful than tattoos or laser. Pain tolerance varies from person to person. The insertion of the probe should be painless, however, a small tingle may be felt with each hair treated. The intensity of the current will depend on the coarseness or resilience of the hair. Numbing agents may be used to increase tolerance and comfort during the treatment.
If you find electrolysis too uncomfortable, your doctor may be able to write you a prescription for an anesthetic (numbing) cream. The mild discomfort is definitely worth it for the dramatic and long-lasting result.
For myself, I've had electrolysis in some very delicate areas (upper lip) that I didn't require numbing cream. It was a bit uncomfortable but manageable. I've also had electrolysis in another area, that required numbing cream.
In Canada, Canada Health as limitations on the strength of lidocaine in over-the-counter (OTC) numbing creams - and that is 5%. Anything over 5% lidocaine and you need a prescription.
I've used OTC numbing cream (Zenza, Elma), but realized that for the cost (and numbing power), it was better to get a prescription (bonus: extended medical benefits covered some of my prescription cost).
If you find that OTC numbing cream just isn't working for you - make an appointment with you doctor and ask for a prescription for lidocaine numbing cream (providing you don't have any contradictions to lidocaine). Lidocaine can be prescribed in various strengths. For my clients who find that the 5% OTC numbing cream doesn't work - they usually ask for a 10%, 15% or 20% lidocaine prescription.
If you plan to use numbing cream for your appointment and require a prescription, please note that it must be filled at a compounding pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies typically take a few days to a week to prepare the prescription, so we recommend ordering it well in advance to ensure it’s ready on time.
Planning ahead is essential, as last-minute cancellations can affect not only your electrologist's schedule but also other clients who could have used your time slot. Your electrologist will appreciate your understanding and consideration in helping them provide the best service to everyone.
Tips for getting the most out of your numbing cream
It's important to create an airtight seal (as much as possible), to get the most effect of the numbing cream. If the air gets to the cream, it starts breaking down the components that work to numb you. You must tape the plastic wrap down for this to work well.
Things you'll need:
- Numbing cream (OTC or prescription)
- 1" IV/surgical tape (don't get it from the Dollar Store - it doesn't work well)
- Glad Press'n Seal (regular plastic wrap is thinner & harder to work with) or Tegaderm
- Scissors (to trim off any excess you may not need)
- Tear off a section of the Glad Press'n Seal - make sure you allow enough material to have a 1/2" extra around all of the area to be treated. Then apply the tape around all the edges.
- Take a nice hot bath or apply alcohol to the area before you apply cream. This will open up the pores and allow the cream easier penetration.
- Apply cream.
- Cover the area with airtight dressing - do not remove. The seal needs to be airtight. If air gets to the cream, it breaks down the components & is less effective. It will be removed as required during your electrolysis session.
- You'll want this on for at least 30 min before a procedure. I generally recommend longer, an hour. So, 1 hour before you appointment apply the first thick layer of cream. Then, 30 minutes after your first application, pull back the plastic wrap & apply another thick layer. Do not remove the plastic wrap - let me take care of that as I work.
Example (see below): I would hang Glad Press'n Seal on my bathroom door, sticky side down, and then apply the tape all around the edges.
I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH - THICKNESS & SEALING TIME ARE THE KEY POINTS.
Imagine yourself as a cake - and you need to put icing on it!
Apply cream thickly - seal with tape - or you're just wasting your time and money.
What you need:
Lidocaine prescription
Or OTC (over the counter) Zensa, Emla, etc
Glad Press 'N Seal - don't use anything else
1" Surgical tape
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency, for diagnosis, or for the substituting of any treatment. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions, and for all prescriptions.