The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning February 6 alerting consumers that the skin creams can cause life-threatening side effects, including irregular heartbeats, seizures and even death. The FDA urged people using these products to first consult with their physician and to ask about proper application.

Topical anesthetics are commonly used before and after medical and cosmetic procedures (tattoos and tattoo removal, dermabrasion, laser hair removal) to relieve pain. These gels, creams and ointments contain such anesthetic drugs as lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine and prilocaine. In addition to pain relief, the products help ease burning and itching caused by a variety of conditions.

Authorities were concerned about the creams because although some are prescribed by physicians as part of medical care, some products are available without prescription and are used by people who are not supervised by healthcare professionals. This increases the risk that people will apply too much of the creams and increase their toxic effects. The FDA has received reports of slowed or stopped breathing, irregular heartbeats, seizures and coma in both adults and children using the product. The reports involved people using the creams for approved and unapproved conditions.

The medications in the creams are absorbed by the skin and act to block pain sensations. However, these drugs can pass into your bloodstream and, in large concentrations, cause serious side effects. The chances of these harmful effects increase if large amounts of numbing creams are used, if they are allowed to remain on the skin for long periods of time or if they are applied over areas where the skin is already irritated (such as from a rash or wound). Elevated skin temperatures, which may occur from wrapping the skin or using a heating pad, can also increase absorption of the anesthetic.

The best way to do in case you’re planning to use numbing creams try using products which are approved by the F.D.A. For tips and how’s of topical anesthetics, click this link: http://www.ehow.com/how_4932186_applytattoo-cosmetic-numbing-cream.html. If you have the know-how on using these products, you’ll never have to worry of its adverse effects.