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What is Topicaine ® ?
TOPICAINE ® is a topical anesthetic gel with a
microemulsion delivery system containing lidocaine 4% or 5% in a non -greasy formulation, with skin permeation enhancers and soothing agents.
What is it for ?
It is specially formulated to penetrate intact skin, for the prevention and relief of pain caused by minor skin irritations, minor burns,
minor cuts and insect bites.
What makes this topical anesthetic gel unique ?
- The combination of maximum strength lidocaine (4%) or (5%) with safe and effective skin permeation enhancers provides effective numbing
action, with rapid onset and long duration.
- Non-greasy formula is easy to remove. Oily formulations (such as other products in the market) can interfere with the efficacy, make
cause pigment migration or impede adhesion of the wax.
- Gel form is easy to apply and stays in place! Many anesthetics in the market are liquid and are not only ineffective but tend to get
into areas where they cause trouble such as the eyes, nostrils, etc. With Topicaine ®, the application is very precise and convenient.
- No prescription required, but maximum strength (4% ) lidocaine allowed in the USA. This makes Topicaine ® much more affordable and
convenient than EMLA ® cream (an Astra Pharmaceuticals prescription cream which is well known specially among plastic surgeons and some beauty
professionals)
- Other qualities: self-preserving action, non-irritating, with skin soothing agents such as glycerin, jojoba oil and aloe vera oil.
How thick does Topicaine ® need to be applied ?
A moderately thick layer works best. It is obtained applying 0.3-0.4 grams of gel per 10 cm2 of skin. As an example, this means applying
a dollop the size of a penny to cover the entire upper lip area (from the nostrils to the upper lip contour; area 20 cm2). Or a dollop half the size
of a dime, to cover the eyebrow area.
How long does it take to numb the skin ?
As an average, the skin above the upper lip or or eyebrows areas will be numb enough after 30 minutes of application. Other areas such as
the legs or bikini may take longer, 45-60 minutes.
What degree of numbness is obtained ?
The duration of application is the single most important factor in predicting the degree of numbness. The longer the application time,
the deeper and more complete the degree of analgesia.
Can it be applied around the eyes ?
It should not be applied inside the eyes, it is not an ophthalmic product. Contact with the eyes should be avoided. If contact with the
eyes occurs, flush the eyes with saline solution or with water.
It has been used to numb the skin below the lower eye lashes area for permanent make up, and since the skin is very thin in this area,
usually good control of the pain is achieved after 7-10 minutes of application.
What are skin permeation enhancers?
These are substances that temporarily change the permeability of the stratum corneum, allowing other substances to cross this barrier
more effectively. The permeation enhancers used in Topicaine ® are effective yet non irritating.
Do I need a prescription to get Topicaine ® ?
No prescription is necessary. It is an over the counter (OTC) pharmaceutical product. It contains the maximum strength of lidocaine
allowed for topical use in the USA without a prescription.
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