EMLA Cream 30g

EMLA® Cream is a topical local anesthetic cream containing a fixed combination of lidocaine and prilocaine (2.5% / 2.5%). It is widely used in medical and aesthetic practice to provide temporary numbness of the skin before minor procedures. It is intended for external use only and should be used under medical guidance. EMLA is designed to reduce pain sensitivity in the skin and superficial tissues by blocking nerve signal transmission. It is one of the most widely used topical anesthetic creams in aesthetic medicine.

Packaging

• 30 g tube (standard clinical size)
• Prescription-only medicine in many countries
• For external use on intact skin

Composition

Each gram contains:

• Lidocaine 25 mg (2.5%)
• Prilocaine 25 mg (2.5%)
• Emulsion base (oil-in-water formulation)

Inactive ingredients typically include:

• Carbomer
• Macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate
• Sodium hydroxide
• Purified water

Safety Information

Must only be used as directed by a healthcare professional.

Possible side effects:

• Temporary skin redness
• Mild burning or itching
• Swelling
• Skin blanching (paleness)

Rare risks:

• Allergic reactions
• Systemic absorption toxicity (rare, usually due to overuse)
• Methemoglobinemia (very rare, mainly in infants or excessive use of prilocaine)

Contraindications:

• Broken or inflamed skin (unless directed)
• Known allergy to lidocaine or prilocaine
• Certain blood disorders (for prilocaine-related risk)

Mechanism of Action

EMLA works by:

• Penetrating the epidermis and superficial dermis
• Blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve endings
• Preventing transmission of pain signals

Result:

• Temporary reversible local numbness of the skin

Onset depends on:

• Application thickness
• Duration of occlusion
• Skin thickness and area

Key Features

• Dual anesthetic combination (lidocaine + prilocaine)
• Proven clinical safety profile
• Suitable for cosmetic dermatology
• Non-invasive topical application
• Effective for superficial skin anesthesia

Expected Effect

• Reduced pain sensation in treated skin area
• Improved patient comfort during procedures
• Numbing effect typically begins after 30–60 minutes of application (varies by protocol)
• Duration of anesthesia lasts during minor procedures

Advantages

• Widely studied and clinically established
• Safe when used correctly on intact skin
• Good balance of efficacy and tolerability
• Suitable for many aesthetic procedures
• Easy topical application

Common Uses

A qualified professional may use EMLA for:

• Dermal filler injections
• Botox injections
• Microneedling
• Laser resurfacing (mild to moderate procedures)
• Minor skin procedures
• Cannula or needle insertion comfort