How to Apply emla Cream & Patches
Follow these simple steps to apply emla (lidocaine-prilocaine) topical anesthetic for pain-free needles, vaccinations, blood draws, and skin procedures. Apply 60 minutes before your procedure for the best results.
Quick Summary
Apply a thick layer of emla cream to clean, dry skin → cover with a Tegaderm dressing → wait 60 minutes → remove and wipe clean before the procedure. For emla patches, simply peel and stick to the skin for 60 minutes.
How to Apply emla Cream — Step by Step
Identify the Application Site
Determine where the needle procedure will take place. Common sites include: inner elbow (blood draws), upper arm (vaccinations for older children and adults), or upper thigh (vaccinations for infants). If unsure, ask your healthcare provider beforehand.
Clean and Dry the Skin
Wash the area with soap and water, then pat completely dry with a clean towel. emla cream must be applied to clean, intact, unbroken skin. Do not apply to cuts, scrapes, rashes, or irritated skin.
Apply a Thick Layer of emla Cream
Squeeze approximately ~ 2g of emla cream (about half a 5g tube) onto the skin. The blob should be roughly the size of a Canadian toonie. Apply it as a thick layer — do NOT rub it in. The cream needs to sit on the surface to penetrate the skin effectively.
Cover with the Tegaderm Dressing
Place the included Tegaderm dressing (or similar airtight, transparent film dressing) over the cream. Press down firmly around all edges to create an airtight seal. The seal is critical — if air gets in, the cream won't work as effectively. Write the time of application on the dressing if needed.
Wait at Least 60 Minutes
Leave the cream and dressing undisturbed for a minimum of 60 minutes. Longer application times (up to the maximum for the patient's age) can provide deeper and longer-lasting numbing. The skin may appear white or pale under the dressing — this is normal and indicates the cream is working.
Remove the Dressing and Wipe Clean
Just before the procedure, carefully peel off the dressing and wipe away all remaining cream with a clean tissue or cloth. The treated area should appear pale (whitened), indicating it is properly numbed. The numbness typically lasts 1–2 hours after removal.
How to Apply emla Patches
Open the Foil Packaging
Tear open the foil pouch and remove the emla patch.
Peel the Protective Liner
Bend the metal flap (protective liner) at the corner and remove it from the adhesive (cream) side of the patch.
Apply to Clean, Dry Skin
Place the patch directly on the treatment area with the cream side touching the skin. Press firmly around all edges to create a good seal.
Wait 60 Minutes
Leave the patch in place for at least 60 minutes. Do not disturb or reposition the patch.
Remove Before the Procedure
Peel off the patch and wipe any remaining cream from the skin. The area should be numbed and ready for the procedure.
emla Cream Dosage Guide by Age
| Age Group | Max Dose | Max Area | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborns (0–3 months, <5 kg) | 1g | 10 cm² | 1 hour |
| Infants (3–12 months, >5 kg) | 2g | 20 cm² | 4 hours |
| Children (1–6 years, >10 kg) | 10g | 100 cm² | 4 hours |
| Children (7–12 years, >20 kg) | 20g | 200 cm² | 4 hours |
| Adults (12+ years) | 60g | 600 cm² | 5 hours |
* Always consult a healthcare provider for dosage guidance, especially for infants under 3 months, premature babies, or when applying over large areas.
⚠️ Important Pediatric Warnings: EMLA should never be used on the genitals of children. For neonates (0–3 months), no more than a single application site should be treated at any one time. If an infant or child over 3 months does not meet the minimum weight requirement listed above, the maximum dose must be restricted to the amount corresponding to their weight (e.g., following the 0-3 months dosage).
Tips for Best Results
💡 Apply Early
Apply emla at least 60 minutes before your appointment. If you can apply 90 minutes before, even better.
💡 Seal the Dressing Well
An airtight seal is essential for emla cream to work. Press all edges of the Tegaderm firmly against the skin.
💡 Don't Rub In the Cream
emla cream works by sitting on the skin surface under the dressing, not by being absorbed through rubbing.
💡 Apply to the Right Spot
Ask the healthcare provider ahead of time exactly where the needle will go. Apply emla to that specific area.
💡 Check for Whitening
When you remove the dressing, the skin should appear pale or white. This means the area is properly numbed.
Ready to Try emla?
Buy emla cream or patches online at OneScript. No prescription needed in Canada. Fulfilled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.
Order emla Online →