Numb Skin

[Cacciotti]

Does anybody know of a spray of cream or something that can make your skin go numb for a short period?

My girlfriend wants to get a tattoo (she's had a few already) but because its on her wrist she's expecting it to hurt a bit more, so does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

[Wispy68]

Baby teething gel? Some people use it to numb their skin before eyebrow plucking!

[smudge]

I've never had a tattoo done, but would guard against your girlfriend putting anything on her skin beforehand, as it may have an adverse affect with the inks they use.

Might be best to phone the tattooist & ask for advice first.

[smudge]

Snap Wispy - well you'd know more than me with your beauty courses!

(Thought you were sorted out your clothes today, he, he!).

*Adverse effect!

[smudge]

*sorting

Sorry Cacciotti - have to get it right!

[Pippa68]

The tattooist who did mine told me that it didn't matter where the tattoo was done, they all hurt the same!

Hence I only have the one...

[milly143]

I would think that applying anything to the skin would act partially as a barrier to the ink and it therefore might not turn out as well as she hoped and would then have to go back a second time. If it's on her wrist then surely it can't be huge so it won't take long to do.

[sweetdor]

i have a tattoo all down from my little finger to 1/2 way up my arm and its the worst i i've ever had (i have approx 25) but on cream on eartth would help,its a case of gritting her teeth and bareing it sry

[alijangra]

There is a cream called emla that is used in the hospital especially in paediatrics. It numbs the skin for when an iv cannula is inserted. I have no idea if you can get hold of this (do you know any nurses or doctors?) or if its available to buy. Also, as has already been suggested, it may have an adverse effect on the tattoo ink.

I would imagine if these things are really any use at all, tattooists would stock them and sell them. It would mean more money for them and they would attract more people that are scared of the pain.

[smudge]

P'raps it works a bit like Wispy's teething gel suggestion ali - but milder.

[khana]

Germalene has an anaesthetic effect i've found and should do the trick if it does not interfere with the tattoo. Of course you would need to wash it off immediatley before as its really greasy.

[doglady]

I've got one on my wrist, and it wasn't too bad.

I've also got them on my tummy, lower back, upper arm, and both ankles.

The pain went (from lowest to highest)

Upper arm

tummy

wrist

lower back

ankle that wasn't a cover up

ankle that was a cover up