What is lidocaine topical?
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body. Lidocaine topical is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by skin irritations such as sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and minor cuts, scratches, hemorrhoids, and burns. Lidocaine topical is also used to treat sores inside the mouth, during dental procedures to numb the gums, and to numb the skin for a medical procedure (such as getting stiches). Lidocaine topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
