What is topical anesthesia?
Definition Topical anesthesia is a condition of temporary numbness caused by applying a substance directly to a surface of the body. Loss of feeling occurs in the specific areas touched by the anesthetic substance. Purpose Topical anesthesia typically either relieves existing pain from a body surface or prevents pain during medical examinations or procedures. Body surfaces include both skin and mucous membranes, which are the moist linings of areas such as the inside of the mouth or nose. Occasionally, use of a topical anesthetic may help clarify whether a patient’s pain comes from a body surface, which the substance is able to touch, or from deeper structures beyond the reach of the substance. A mucous membrane, an area of skin, or areas just beneath the skin’s surface temporarily lose feeling during topical anesthesia. Precautions Topical anesthetic medications must be selected carefully and used in proper amounts in order to prevent harmful reactions. For instance, some topical drug
