Numbing cream

[AllStar14]

I'm getting a tattoo on my ankle/shin in a few weeks and, although I have lots of others, I really think that area will hurt! Can anyone recommend a good numbing cream? I've been told that boots sell one but unsure of the name so can't find it.

Emla cream

Does your tattooist not offer numbing cream?
When I had my tattoo done, they asked me if i wanted
numbing cream (for the one that went across my spine)
I didnt use it though, so dont know how effective the cream is,

My friend also had numbing cream (at a different tattooists)
when she had her wrist ones done (cos shes quite bony and
veiny, so quite sensitive area). They supplied it.

Oh I don't know if they supply it, I've never thought to ask. I'll look for emla cream just in case. Thank you :-)

Ametop cream is another one

Where I go, they won't do a tattoo if you've used numbing cream. Apparently some types aren't suitable, I might be tempted to sneak it past them for a shin though.

I get mine from my pharmacy - Emla cream. I get a few tubes because it's also useful for the days after when it's still sore, and DEFINITELY when it's itchy.

Emla is good for pre tattoo numbing ( there are ones you can use when the tattoo has started too but they're innefective until you've had the first pass!) . Emla is easy to get in the uk., but online pharmacy, not boots etc.

Do not use it on a healing / itching tattoo! Firstly, it is dangerous to apply too much local anaesthetic and the effects are cumulative ( leading to toxicity) even for a pretty small piece. Secondly, it is not an aftercare product...is heavily mineral oil based so won't let the healing tattoo breathe resulting in increased infection risk and a good risk you'll need to get touch ups due to dropped ink. ( and they hurt as the skin is very sensitive!)

I was told that numbing creams make your skin ‘rubbery’ and difficult to tattoo. Also, that numbed skin doesn’t hold the ink as well.

When I got my eyebrows microbladed I was told the same thing.

Not sure if there’s any truth in it though, but I didn’t want to take the risk. I took Solpadeine before my tattoo and again during it, which helped me get through it.

I've had a couple of tattoos with numbing cream and 20+ without

The ankle/shin isn't that bad

I would honestly say don't use the numbing cream - the pain is much worse once it's worn off - which it will.

Pop a couple of paracetamol before you go - I've found this is the best way.