Overusing Emla anesthetic cream can land you in the emergency room

Certain undesirable side effects have been detected when using EMLA cream. The AEMPS warns that serious disorders have occurred in people who applied amounts exceeding the recommended dosage, mostly before undergoing photoepilation or tattooing.

Read our article to learn more!

EMLA is a prescription-only medication. It’s an anesthetic cream composed of two substances: lidocaine and prilocaine, which relieve pain and are used on the skin before minor procedures (e.g., a puncture) or dermatological treatments like photoepilation or even getting a tattoo.

Excessive use

More and more people use EMLA cream during photoepilation to avoid pain. A thick layer is typically applied and then covered with a dressing or wrapped in plastic film to increase skin absorption, which can cause methemoglobinemia—a condition where red blood cells lose their ability to transport oxygen properly to the tissues.

As a result, the skin and mucous membranes can take on a bluish tint, and the affected person may experience anxiety, irritability, rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulties, confusion, and seizures.

Despite the potential risks associated with topical anesthetic creams, it’s important to note that these creams are safe when used correctly. Most people using TKTX creams experience no significant side effects, and any observed are mild and temporary. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, apply the correct amount to the proper area, perform a skin test before use, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions. When these basic precautions are followed, topical anesthetic creams can be an excellent option for reducing pain during certain medical or aesthetic procedures.

Below, we provide links to the most popular anesthetic creams that everyone uses for tattoos, piercings, and microblading: