Tattoos can be painful, but there are a few techniques that may help. Numbing creams are one option for reducing pain. These ointments are quite popular, and you can easily locate over-the-counter solutions. Many people find that tattoo numbing creams are helpful, and they are safe in most cases. However, there are a few things to consider before utilizing these ointments on your skin.
Does a Tattoo Numbing Cream Work?
In many circumstances, these numbing tattoo creams are successful and safe to use. Many individuals utilize them because they make the procedure more pleasant. These ointments might even reduce some of the anxiety associated with getting a tattoo.
If you’re looking for a numbing cream, the first thing to look for is a high concentration of lidocaine. This component will numb the skin and help you feel better while you are getting tattooed.
Should You Use a Numbing Cream?
It is a personal option to use a numbing cream. Some people feel that pain is part of the tattoo experience, while others think you should be able to relax during the procedure.
That is, after you’ve identified the region to be tattooed and decided on a design, you must select an artist who can execute the work with your pain tolerance and requirements in mind. Some individuals have a lower pain threshold than others, which means they may not tolerate a tattoo without the assistance of numbing cream.
There is no right or wrong answer to whether or not you should apply a numbing cream. Your response might be influenced by physiologic and biological factors such as:
- Medical conditions
- Genetics
- Chronic pain
- Lack of sleep
- Prior injuries
- Anxiety, stress, or depression
Pain tolerance is a component of one’s personality, and there isn’t much you can do to increase it. You may use a numbing cream on your skin, however, so that you don’t miss out on the pleasure of beautiful body art.
If you’re worried about the pain during a tattoo, topical anesthetics can help. Many of these ointments may simply provide temporary comfort and quell any anxious emotions throughout the procedure.
How Do Numbing Creams Work?
Many of these numbing lotions should be used before getting your tattoo. These pain-relieving medicines include various active components that help to dull the sensation.
Nerve Deadeners
Numbing creams that contain nerve deadeners are among the most well-known. When you examine the components, lidocaine is frequently present. These active compounds are intended to prevent nerves from conveying any sensation signals. As a result, there may be a brief period of numbness.
However, these lotions will only numb the epidermis. When the tattoo needle pierces the skin, it penetrates five layers of epidermis and into the dermis. You will feel discomfort when the needle reaches those deeper layers if you apply a cream that isn’t designed to go all the way through those outer skin layers.
Lidocaine is not retained on your skin for very long. The cream will be worn off within an hour or two. If you’re having a lengthy tattooing procedure, it’s a good idea to reapply the ointment periodically throughout the process.
Nerve Blockers
Some anti-inflammatory creams include nerve blockers. Benzocaine and tetracaine are two of the most widely used additives. While your nerves will be aware of some of these feelings, the nerve signals will not reach your brain. Painkilling creams that are applied to the skin do not necessarily numb pain, but they can dull pain sensations. To minimize your discomfort, you may frequently use nerve blockers with nerve deadeners.
Vasoconstrictors
Vasoconstrictors are a type of pain reliever that has some significant effects. These numbing medicines are the most powerful and risky. To minimize swelling and bleeding at the tattoo site, they restrict blood vessels. These vasoconstrictors can be combined with other anesthetics to prevent the body from absorbing them too quickly.
A variety of nerve deadeners, blockers, and vasoconstrictors are used by some individuals. You’ll get a longer-lasting anesthetic, but there’s a health hazard in preventing blood flow. Some of these dangers include anoxia, a rapid heart rate, and insufficient ventilation. In some situations, the person may not absorb the substance promptly, resulting in toxic concentrations in the body.
There are many different types of numbing creams on the market when it comes to getting a tattoo. Before making a decision, you should consult with your doctor. These professionals will review your medical history so that you can find the right anesthetic for your body. There are many tattoo shops in Philadelphia that can help you find the right options for your skin.
Numbing Cream Risks
Numbing creams are generally safe. You must, however, follow all of the instructions on the cream’s packaging. These creams may appear to be non-toxic, but they can lead to severe side effects if you do not use the cream as directed.
There are a lot of these creams on the market; they contain chemicals and preservatives that can cause an allergic reaction. You should always examine the ingredients list to ensure that you aren’t sensitive to these products. If your skin is delicate, you might want to utilize a natural cream without many additives.
Because of the chemicals that they contain, all topical anesthetics have some potential health issues. Always consult with your doctor or medical professional before putting the ointment on your skin. You want to be sure it will decrease pain while not posing any potential health concerns.
Pain Relief Options for You
If you’re nervous about getting tattooed for the first time, don’t be. While some people believe that experiencing discomfort is required for every tattoo, this is not true. Tattooing should not be a torture experience. You can still get tattoos without feeling any pain thanks to these numbing ointments.
