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Expert Q&A
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| By David L. Fay, M.D. Family Physician Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program | ||
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When my toddler gets a shot, can I numb the area with a patch or cream so he doesn't feel the pain?
It is not harmful to use cream or a patch unless your child is allergic to the anesthetic. Some children do have a local reaction. The biggest problem with using anesthetic cream for injections is that they take 30-60 minutes to take effect, causing a time-crunch. In addition, they are only effective for a short time, and so, while they may help with the pain of the needle, they will not do much for the discomfort caused by the vaccination, which can last for a few hours to a few days. Given all these considerations, it may not be worth it just to avoid a few seconds of pain from a needle.