Understanding BLT Cream: A Powerful Numbing Solution for Medical Providers
Numbing creams are essential in the toolkit of many healthcare providers, offering patients relief from pain during various minor procedures. One of the most effective topical anaesthetics is BLT cream, which stands for Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Tetracaine. This blog post explores BLT cream, its components, the treatments it is used for, and its mechanism of action.
Note: BLT cream is sold only to licensed healthcare providers.
What is BLT Cream?
BLT cream is a compounded topical anaesthetic that combines three different agents: Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Tetracaine. The combination of these three substances provides a potent numbing effect, making it highly effective for a variety of medical procedures. Each component contributes uniquely to the cream's overall numbing properties.
How Does it Work?
BLT cream works by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerves. When applied to the skin, the active ingredients penetrate the epidermis and dermis to reach the nerve fibers, where they block the sodium channels necessary for the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. This numbing effect helps manage discomfort during medical procedures. Each ingredient in BLT cream plays a role in numbing the skin:
Benzocaine
This is a common anaesthetic often found in over-the-counter pain relievers for mouth and throat discomfort. It works by temporarily blocking sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing them from sending pain signals to the brain.
Lidocaine
A more potent anaesthetic than benzocaine, lidocaine is also used in various injectable and topical forms. It functions similarly to benzocaine by blocking sodium channels and interrupting pain signals.
Tetracaine
The strongest of the three ingredients, tetracaine is used for deeper numbing and is often reserved for specific procedures. Like the others, it works by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells.
Uses of BLT Cream in Treatments
BLT cream is exclusively available to healthcare providers and is used in various settings, including:
Dermatology: For procedures like laser hair removal, tattoo application and removal, and before dermatological surgeries.
Cosmetic Procedures: Used to numb the area before injections such as fillers and botulinum toxin, and in procedures like microneedling and chemical peels.
Minor Surgical Procedures: Helps in reducing pain during procedures like wart removal, mole removal, or small biopsies.
Dental Procedures: Applied before dental injections or other minor oral surgeries to reduce discomfort.
Elevate Your Cosmetic Treatments with Preston’s Pharmacy
BLT cream is a critical component in the management of procedural pain, available only to medical professionals. Its effectiveness lies in the combination of benzocaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine, each adding to the overall numbing effect. By understanding the uses and action of BLT cream, healthcare providers can better manage patient comfort during various minor procedures.
At Preston's Pharmacy, we are committed to providing information and resources to healthcare providers. We can help answer questions and ensure a smooth medication delivery process for your practice. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly pharmacists on (571) 341-8787 or wellness@prestonspharmacy.com.
