Local Anaesthesia

Overview

Local anaesthesia means using numbing medicine to block pain in one small part of your body. You stay awake and alert. It is used for minor procedures such as stitching a cut, removing a small skin lump, dental work, or a joint injection. The numbing medicine can be put on the skin as a cream, gel, or spray, or given as an injection near the area being treated.

Yes, it is very common. Local anaesthesia is used millions of times in general practice, dental clinics, and hospitals for minor procedures.

It can be used for people of all ages, including children, when the procedure is suitable. Older adults and people with certain health conditions may need extra checks before it is used.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Numbness in the area being treated
• A tingling or 'fizzy' feeling as the numbness starts
• A brief stinging or burning feeling when an injection is given
• Pressure, tugging, or movement without sharp pain during the procedure

Symptoms in children

• Children may describe the numb feeling as 'fizzy', 'odd', or 'heavy'.
• Young children may cry or feel scared, especially at the sight of a needle.
• A parent or carer staying calm and close can help a child feel safer.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults are more likely to take medicines or have health conditions that affect which numbing option is safest.
• A review of medicines and health conditions may be needed before the procedure.
• Bruising may happen more easily, and any numbness that lasts longer than expected should be checked.

Causes

Main causes

• Local anaesthesia is not a disease. It is a medical technique used to prevent pain during minor procedures.
• It may be used for stitching wounds, removing small skin growths, cleaning wounds, joint injections, dental treatment, or inserting small devices such as contraceptive implants.
• It may also be used before a bigger procedure to numb one area, or alongside other types of pain relief.

Risk factors

• A previous reaction to numbing medicine
• Allergies or asthma that can make reactions more serious
• Heart, liver, or kidney problems
• Low body weight or frailty
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm, blood pressure, or blood clotting
• Infection or poor circulation in the area being treated
• Very high anxiety about needles or procedures

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have signs of infection after a procedure, such as spreading redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever.
• You have severe pain that is not controlled with the advice you were given.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness lasts much longer than your clinician said to expect.
• You have heavy bleeding, a large bruise that is getting bigger, or feel very unwell.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have had a reaction to numbing medicine before and are due to have a procedure.
• You take medicines for your heart, blood pressure, or blood clotting, or you take other regular medicines.
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a long-term health condition.
• You feel very anxious about needles, dental work, or the procedure.
• You have mild questions about aftercare or how long numbness should last.

Diagnosis

Local anaesthesia is not a condition that is diagnosed. Instead, a trained healthcare professional decides whether it is suitable for you. They ask about your health, allergies, medicines, and any previous reactions. They check the area to be treated and explain what you should feel.

Tests that may be done

• A review of your medical history and allergies
• A review of your medicines and any previous reactions to numbing medicine
• A physical check of the area being treated
• Checking sensation before the procedure starts, such as asking you to say when you feel numbness

What to expect at your appointment

You may feel a brief sting when an injection is given, then numbness. During the procedure you may feel pressure or tugging, but not sharp pain. Tell your clinician straight away if you feel pain, because more numbing medicine may be needed.

Treatment

Local anaesthesia is given by a trained healthcare professional. The type used depends on the procedure and your health. You may be offered a numbing cream or gel before an injection to make it more comfortable. Your clinician will watch you during and after the procedure and tell you what to expect.

Self-care at home

• Follow the written aftercare instructions you are given.
• Protect the numb area until feeling returns, because you may not notice injury or heat.
• Wait until feeling returns before eating or drinking hot food or drinks, especially after dental or mouth procedures.
• Do not scratch, rub, or pick at numb skin.
• Keep any wound dressing clean and dry as advised.
• Ask your pharmacist or clinician about suitable pain relief if you need it.
• Rest and avoid heavy activity if your wound or procedure needs it.

Medical treatments

Numbing medicines can be put on the skin as a cream, gel, or spray, or injected near the area being treated. Some numbing medicines are combined with another medicine that narrows blood vessels to make numbness last longer and reduce bleeding. For larger procedures, your team may discuss other options such as a regional block or a general anaesthetic.

When is surgery considered?

Local anaesthesia is often used for minor surgery in general practice, such as stitching a wound or removing a small skin lump. More extensive surgery may need a different type of anaesthesia. Your team will explain the options and help you choose.

Living with this condition

The numb feeling usually fades over a few hours. While it fades, protect the area from hot drinks, sharp objects, and scratching. Follow your wound care advice and return to normal activities when you feel comfortable.

Lifestyle tips

• Tell every healthcare provider about any previous reaction to numbing medicine.
• Keep a list of your medicines and allergies, especially if you have health conditions.
• Ask before the procedure whether you need someone to come with you or help you get home.
• Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs before a procedure if your clinician advises this.
• Ask questions if you do not understand the aftercare plan.

Diet and exercise

After mouth or dental numbing, wait until feeling returns before eating or drinking anything hot, to avoid burns. Gentle activity is usually fine. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting if your wound or procedure needs time to heal, and follow your clinician's advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Fear of needles, dental work, or procedures is common. Tell your clinician how you feel so they can explain things slowly, offer breaks, or suggest ways to reduce anxiety. If fear is affecting your health or mood, ask for support. If you feel in crisis, contact your local emergency services or a crisis support line in your country.

Prevention

You cannot prevent needing local anaesthesia if you need a procedure. You can help lower the risk of problems by telling your clinician about allergies, previous reactions, medicines, pregnancy, and health conditions. Follow any instructions you are given before and after the procedure.

Vaccines

Not relevant for local anaesthesia.

Screening programmes

No routine screening is needed for local anaesthesia. Your clinician will check your health history before using it.

Complications

If left untreated

• Local anaesthesia is a treatment, not a condition, so it is not left untreated. If pain is not well controlled, a procedure may be uncomfortable.
• If a reaction or infection is not checked, it can become more serious.
• Rare problems include nerve irritation, temporary weakness, serious allergic reaction, or too much numbing medicine in the body.
• Bruising and bleeding at the injection site can happen but usually settle.

Long-term outlook

Most people have local anaesthesia without problems and recover normal feeling within a few hours. Serious complications are uncommon. If you have any concerns, ask your healthcare team early.

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