Jason, watching the news now. Be safe. Looks scary in the UK with all the rioting.
Regarding another topical anesthetic, LMX that you may be able to get, II have been nosing around and found this:
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas
Dermatology
Laser - How to Apply Numbing Cream
LMX is numbing cream we use to make skin treatments more comfortable. It can be purchased over the counter (no prescription needed) at any pharmacy (some need 48 hours to order). We sell it at the front desk for patient convenience. It is best applied generously and repeatedly starting 45 -90 minutes prior to your procedure. If it can be used, covering the cream with plastic wrap can be very helpful in increasing effectiveness. Sensitive areas such as the face or bikini line may be helped with special techniques listed below. We recommend not using more than 2 large (30 gm) tubes per session.
For use in most areas:
Rub in a layer 60 minutes before the treatment. Immediately after rubbing in the first layer, place a very generous layer on the skin to be treated. The layer should be as thick as frosting on a cake or a facial mask.
If possible cover the area with plastic wrap and tape the edges (difficult on the face).
Reapply another very generous layer 30 minutes before the treatment.
Do not wash off the cream until instructed by the doctor.
Tips for use on the face:
Consider applying a layer 90 minutes before the treatment, then follow steps 1-4 above.
Apply extra cream on the most sensitive areas of the face to be treated such as the forehead, nose, upper lip and chin.
Consider using the entire 30 gram tube for the entire face.
Tips for use on the bikini line:
It is extremely helpful to use plastic wrap in the bikini line. We have found it best to use pantyhose or spandex biking shorts on top of the plastic wrap to hold everything in place.
Last modified: August 02, 2010