Lidocaine Local Anaesthetic

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that temporarily blocks pain signals from a treated area.

It can be placed on the skin or injected into tissue near the procedure site. It is intended to numb a defined area while you remain awake, rather than producing general anaesthesia.

Nerves carry messages by moving electrical signals along their fibres. Lidocaine reduces this signal movement in the nearby nerves, so the area becomes less able to send pain messages for a limited period.

Pressure, pulling, or movement may still be noticeable during a procedure even when sharp pain is reduced. The clinician can test whether the area is numb enough before continuing.

Lidocaine is frequently used for minor procedures such as closing a wound, treating an ingrown toenail, or draining an abscess. The route and amount are selected for the body area, procedure, and individual clinical situation.

Its purpose is to make the treatment more tolerable while allowing the clinician to assess and care for the area directly.

Depending on the procedure, another local anaesthetic, a topical numbing product, a nerve block, calming measures, or a different form of anaesthesia may be considered. The choice reflects the location, depth, expected discomfort, and your medical history.

An injection can sting briefly before the area becomes numb. During recovery, protect the numb area from heat, injury, or biting until normal sensation returns. Follow the wound-care or procedure instructions you are given.

Tell the clinician straight away if you feel unwell during treatment. Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, swelling, severe dizziness, a seizure, or symptoms that rapidly worsen after leaving the clinic.

The numbness wears off after the medicine is processed by the body, and the timing varies with the product, dose, body area, and whether another medicine was used with it. Do not drive or use equipment if the numbness affects safe control of the relevant body part.