Immunizations protect against serious diseases, but they may also cause discomfort. Topical anesthetics such as numbing creams or patches can help reduce this discomfort. You can use them on infants, toddlers and older children before their immunizations.
Talk to your health care provider before your visit if you have questions about where your child's immunizations will be given. For a full list of ways to reduce your child's discomfort during immunization, visit HealthLinkBC File #50e A better immunization experience for your child.
Numbing creams or patches ease the feeling of pain by blocking pain receptors in the skin. You can buy them at your local pharmacy without a prescription.
Many different numbing creams and patches are available. Each product will have different instructions regarding its use. Use of a product depends on:
Always read and follow the package instructions carefully before using these products on your child.
Apply creams or patches before the immunization visit so the product has time to numb the skin. The application time needed may vary from 30 to 60 minutes. If you remove the product before your child’s appointment, use a pen to outline the area where the product was applied. Show the area to your health care provider. If you remove the product before your appointment, outline the edges of the patch or bandage covering the cream with a pen. This will show your health care provider where the numbing cream or patch was applied.
These instructions are for children being immunized based on the routine childhood immunization schedule in B.C.
For more information, visit the Immunization schedules for children.
At these visits, immunizations are given in the upper leg (thigh). Apply numbing creams or patches to the positions shown below.
Follow these steps when applying the numbing cream or patch:
| Age | Where to put cream or patch |
|---|---|
| 2 months | Apply to both legs as shown |
| 4 months | Apply to both legs as shown |
| 6 months | Apply to 1 leg as shown |
At these visits, immunizations are given in the upper arm to the positions shown below.
Follow these steps when applying the numbing cream or patch:
| Age | Where to put cream or patch |
|---|---|
| 12 months | On both arms, apply to the side and back of the upper arms as shown (A & B to both arms) |
| 18 months | On 1 arm only, apply to the side of the upper arm (A to 1 arm only) |
At these visits, immunizations are given in the upper arm. Apply the numbing cream or patch to the same area of the upper arm shown for children at the 12-month immunization visit.
Older children and adults can also use numbing products.
| Age | Where to put cream or patch |
|---|---|
| 4 to 6 years | On 1 arm only, apply to the side and back of the upper arm (A & B to 1 arm only) |
Read the instructions and be sure the numbing product is safe for your child and not expired. Do not use more than the recommended amount of product for your child's age.
Side effects are usually minor and limited to local skin reactions where the numbing cream or patch was applied. There may be mild swelling and changes to the color of your child‘s skin. For a short time, their skin may have a red or purple tone depending on their skin colour. Colour changes may be less noticeable on darker skin tones. Serious side effects are rare. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips, remove the product immediately and contact your health care provider for advice.
Watch your child closely after applying the cream or patch. Bandages and patches can be a choking hazard if your child pulls them off. Cover the area with clothing to prevent your child from removing the bandages or patches.
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