Local Anesthesia in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Local anesthesia is medicine used to block pain from a part of the body. The medicines are often injected into the area that needs to be numbed. But they may also be put on the skin or mucus membranes as a liquid or gel. Or they may be given as eyedrops.

The medicines start to work very quickly. They can last from around 30 minutes to up to 6 hours or more.

This medicine can be used for things like stitches or a skin biopsy or to numb an area on the hand or arm where an I.V. is put in a vein. Sometimes it may be used with sedatives. Those are medicines that make a person feel relaxed or sleepy.

Local anesthesia is very safe. Serious problems are rare.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Follow all instructions from your child's doctor about how to take care of the area that was numbed.
• Make sure that your child doesn't injure the area while it's still numb.
  • Remind them that if they move the area, to move it slowly and carefully.
  • Be careful with hot and cold. Since your child won't feel pain, it's easier for damage from heat or cold to happen.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
• You child has severe trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child is confused or agitated.
• Your child has blurred vision.
• Your child has ringing in their ears.
• Your child has numbness or tingling around their mouth or in their fingers or toes.
• Your child has a metallic taste in their mouth.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child is having problems, such as a rash in the area that was numbed.
• Your child is not getting better as expected.