Needles often elicit fear and discomfort in a large portion of the population - 1 in 5 adults, to be exact. While the fear is valid, the associated pain doesn’t have to be. That’s where Emla steps in.

Emla Cream and Emla Patches provide a safe and effective solution to reduce pain caused by minor skin procedures, needle insertions, and vaccinations, all while being conveniently accessible without a prescription. This guide will take you through what Emla is, its benefits, how to use it, and why it’s a valuable addition for parents, healthcare professionals, doctors, and nurses alike.

What is Emla?

Emla is a topical anesthetic containing a combination of lidocaine (2.5%) and prilocaine (2.5%), which work together to temporarily numb the skin. It allows individuals to undergo minor procedures with significantly reduced discomfort.

Available in two formats, Emla Cream and the Emla Patch, it caters to different needs, making it versatile and easy to use for all ages.

Key Benefits of Emla

Whether you're preparing a child for their vaccination or needing numbing during a dermatological procedure, Emla Cream and Patches offer numerous benefits that make them an essential tool for pain management:

• Effective Pain Relief: Emla helps block pain signals from the skin, allowing minor procedures to feel more comfortable and stress-free.
• No Prescription Required: Purchase Emla directly at your local pharmacy without needing a doctor's prescription or easily shop online for Emla cream and patches on surgo.com
• Convenient Options:
  • Emla Cream is ideal for larger application areas.
  • Emla Patch makes pinpoint application easy and hassle-free.
• Fast-Acting and Long-Lasting:
  
  • Numbing begins approximately 1 hour after application and can last for at least 2 hours.
  • Trusted and Safe for All Ages:
  • Suitable for infants, children, and adults when used as directed.

Whether you’re a parent calming a child’s nerves or a healthcare professional striving for patient comfort, Emla serves as a reliable ally in pain relief.

When Should You Use Emla?

Emla can be used for a variety of procedures, making it a versatile tool in pain management:

• Needle insertions (e.g., vaccinations, blood draws)
• Minor dermatological procedures (e.g., mole removal, skin biopsies)
• Leg ulcer cleansing (Emla Cream)
• Superficial genital procedures (Emla Cream under a doctor’s supervision)

What Emla is Not For:

• Emla Patch is not meant for use on open wounds.
• Emla Cream may be used on wounds only under medical supervision, such as during leg ulcer cleansing.

Always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet or consult a healthcare professional if unsure.

Emla Comes in Two Forms

1. Emla Patch

The Emla Patch is perfect for needle procedures like vaccinations or blood draws. Its design allows for clean and precise application without requiring additional covering.

2. Emla Cream

For larger surface areas or more specific procedures, Emla Cream is the go-to option. It’s versatile, easy to apply, and comes complete with Tegaderm® dressings to keep it in place.

How to Apply Emla

Applying Emla Patch

1. Prepare: Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin at least 1 hour before your procedure. For infants under 3 months, leave the patch on for a maximum of 1 hour.

2. Bend & Peel: Locate the metal flap on the back of the patch. Bend it, peel off the protective layer, and avoid touching the white pad containing Emla.

3. Stick: Firmly press the patch onto the skin, ensuring good adhesion around the edges. Press down gently in the center so the cream contacts the skin.

4. Record: Write the time of application on the patch to track its wear time.

5. Relax: You can leave the patch on for the healthcare provider to remove. Emla’s effects will last at least 2 hours after removal.

Applying Emla Cream

1. Prepare: Start with clean, dry, healthy skin 1 hour prior to the procedure. For larger areas, consult your doctor.

2. Squeeze: Apply a thick layer of cream onto the area. The amount depends on the procedure—refer to the Patient Medication Information leaflet for guidance.

3, Cover: Use a Tegaderm® dressing or cling film to cover the cream, ensuring it’s air-tight and secure to maximize effectiveness.

4. Record: Write down the time of application on the dressing for easy tracking.

5. Relax: Leave the dressing in place until removed by your healthcare provider. Emla works for at least 2 hours post-application.

Safety Guidelines When Using Emla

To ensure safe and effective use of Emla, keep these guidelines in mind:

• For infants under 3 months, limit wear time to 1 hour.
• Do not exceed 5 hours of application for children or adults.
• Use sparingly and with medical supervision on sensitive areas such as the genitals or leg ulcers.
• Always communicate with your doctor or nurse if Emla has been applied prior to a procedure.

Emla FAQs

1. Do I need a prescription to purchase Emla?
No, Emla is available over the counter at most pharmacies. You can also buy Emla cream and patches from surgo.com

2. How long does it take for Emla to work? How long does it last?
Emla typically takes about 1 hour to begin numbing the skin. It lasts for at least 2 hours after removal.

3. Can I use Emla for tattoos?
Emla is not indicated for tattoos and is primarily for minor needle and skin-related procedures.

4. Why is it necessary to cover Emla Cream?
Covering ensures the cream penetrates the skin effectively and helps it stay in place, especially on children.

Why Choose Emla?

When dealing with procedures that cause discomfort, Emla Cream and Patches are trusted solutions for making the experience as pain-free as possible. Loved by parents and healthcare professionals alike, Emla offers peace of mind with every application.

No one wants unnecessary pain - and thanks to Emla, no one has to endure it.