What's Lidoderm? And What Are Its Benefits?

Lidoderm, a topical cream containing Lidocaine (an anesthetic) helps reduce pain. Lidoderm is applied topically to minor cuts, burns, scrapes and bites. You can use it to temporarily relieve muscle and joint pain from strains, sprains or bruises. Lidoderm is available in both prescription-strength and over-the-counter versions.

It can be worn up to 12 hours and provides immediate relief. The patch has shown to relieve post-surgical pain as well as chronic pain related to conditions like fibromyalgia, diabetes neuropathy and shingles. Lidoderm should not be used on damaged or inflamed skin.

Lidoderm's Supposed Benefits

Lidoderm's most important benefit is its ability to relieve pain and not require oral medication. It is especially attractive for people who are unable to tolerate, or don't want to use oral medication. Lidoderm is more effective than placebo for treating some types of pain including post-herpetic nervegia, which can be caused by shingles.

Lidoderm can provide pain relief as well as inflammation and swelling. Researchers have found that Lidoderm can also improve blood circulation. This may speed up healing times and decrease the chance of infection.

Lidoderm Expert Opinions

Lidoderm, according to experts, is effective and safe when taken as prescribed. American Academy of Dermatology suggests Lidoderm to treat minor cuts, burns, scrapes and insect bites. According to the National Institutes of Health, Lidoderm has been approved by FDA for post-herpetic nerve pain and other forms of nerve pain.

Experts agree that Lidoderm can be used safely and effectively to treat pain. Some experts warn that Lidoderm should never be applied to broken skin or inflamed areas as it could lead to side effects. If you have any medical issues, it is a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before taking Lidoderm.

Lidoderm: How to Get Started

Lidoderm is available in both prescription-strength and over-the-counter versions. You can cut the patches to suit your needs. One patch should be applied once every twelve hours. You should not reuse patches and remove them after twelve hours.

Make sure your skin is dry and clean before applying the patch. Apply the patch only to dry, broken or irritated skin. You should immediately remove any itching or irritation and consult your physician.

If you are using the prescription-strength version, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You should not use the prescribed dose of the patch or leave it on for more than the advised time.

Do you need to be aware of any side-effects?

Skin irritation is the most frequent side effect of Lidoderm. Side effects of Lidoderm include skin irritation, headaches, dizziness and nausea. Rarely, severe allergic reactions may occur.

Before using Lidoderm, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those on certain medication should consult their doctor. It is also important that the patches are kept out of the reach of children as accidental ingestion could prove fatal.

Conclusion

Lidoderm, a topical cream containing lidocaine (an anesthetic) helps reduce pain. Lidoderm is used for minor cuts, scrapes and bites. It can also be used to relieve joint and muscle pain. Lidoderm provides pain relief without the use of oral medication. This makes it a good choice for people who are unable to or unwilling to use oral medications.

Experts agree that Lidoderm can be used to treat pain. It should never be applied to broken skin or other irritated areas. People should also consult their doctor before applying it, particularly if they are suffering from any medical conditions.