Emla cream is a topical anaesthetic containing two ingredients, lignocaine (25mg/g) and prilocaine (25mg/g) used to numb and reduce pain in minor surgical procedures of the skin.
Some people are very sensitive to pain and may not be able to tolerate minor surgical procedures such as having a blood sample taken, injections, cleaning of leg ulcers, piercings, and tattoo removal.
The two active ingredients block the nerve signals in the skin in the treated area to produce a reversible loss of sensation.
Emla cream is best applied under an airtight dressing at least an hour before the intended procedure is set to begin.