Many people are afraid to get a piercing or tattoo because they dread the pain involved. Fortunately, today there are many products available that can make the procedure almost painless. Let’s take a look at how pain can be reduced.
Piercing
Luckily, the piercing process and jewelry insertion only take a few seconds, which most people can easily tolerate.
Lidocaine spray, is one of the most commonly used anesthetics for piercings. It is quickly absorbed through mucous membranes and takes effect within minutes. It works especially well for tongue, medusa, monroe, dimple, and lip piercings. It’s important not to inhale or swallow it.
Another option is freezing spray.The area to be pierced is sprayed for a few seconds, numbing the surface. However, we are not fully satisfied with its effectiveness, so we do not use this method.
Tattoo
Unlike piercings, tattooing can last for several hours, and there are certain areas where pain relief can be very helpful.
Basically, there are two types of anesthetic methods: products used before tattooing and those that work on already opened skin during the procedure.
TKTX has become one of the most popular numbing creams in recent years. It is applied before tattooing.. Apply a thick layer to the desired area and cover it with plastic wrap. It takes about 1 hour to take effect and lasts 4–5 hours. A warming sensation under the wrap is normal. If you experience an excessive reaction, wash it off with lukewarm soapy water. Use any remaining cream within a few days, otherwise it loses effectiveness. It should not be used during tattooing, as working it into the skin may cause healing issues. One advantage is its affordability. Lidocaine–prilocaine content varies by type: 5–5% or 7–7%.
Emla is a pharmacy-grade numbing cream, although it can be difficult to find locally.It can be used both before and during tattooing. Apply a thick layer and cover with plastic wrap. It takes about 1 hour to activate and lasts 4–5 hours. Mild warmth under the wrap is normal; excessive reactions should be washed off. It is relatively expensive, but the advantage is that it can be reapplied throughout the session, allowing for 8–10 hours of comfortable work. Lidocaine–prilocaine content: 2.5–2.5%.
Li-Pri is also a pharmacy cream and essentially a local equivalent of Emla. Lidocaine–prilocaine content: 2.5–2.5%.
Lidocain EGIS is a pharmacy ointment that can be used before and during tattooing, but its effectiveness is weaker compared to TKTX or Emla. Lidocaine content: 5%.
H2oNothing is a foam specifically developed for tattoo procedures. It works on already opened skin during tattooing, has disinfecting properties, and can be used throughout the entire session, allowing for 8–10 hours of reduced discomfort. Lidocaine content: 4%.
Bactine is a spray commonly used for wound healing and disinfection. It can be applied during tattooing on opened skin at any time. Lidocaine content: 4%.
Inportant notes, hese creams, foams, and sprays are for external use only.
Their effectiveness depends on the specific skin area and can vary from person to person.
The listed products may contain prilocaine, lidocaine, and epinephrine. If you are sensitive or allergic to any of these ingredients, their use should be avoided!