How to Apply
Applying the emla® Patch
1. Prepare
Make sure to apply emla® on clean, dry, healthy skin at least 1 hour prior to your needle. For infants under 3 months, you should leave emla® on for a maximum of 1 hour.
2. Bend & Peel
Find the metal flap in the top corner on the back of the patch. Bend back the metal flap and pull to peel the protective layer off of the patch. Please avoid touching the white, round pad that contains emla®.
3. Stick
Stick the patch(es) onto the area where the procedure will occur. Press firmly only around the edges of the patch(es) to ensure good adhesion to the skin. Next, press gently on the centre of the patch(es) to ensure that emla® comes into contact with the skin. Be careful not to touch any of the cream.
4. Record
It’s a good idea to write the time of application on the patch(es) so that you can remember.
5. Relax
You can leave the patches on for the doctor to remove unless otherwise instructed. emla® will last for at least 2 hours after application. Your skin may look a little white where the patch has been applied; this is expected, and your skin will return to normal as the numbing effect wears off.
Applying emla® Cream
1. Prepare
Make sure to apply emla® on clean, dry, healthy skin at least 1 hour prior to your needle. For infants under 3 months, you should leave emla® on for a maximum of 1 hour.
Talk to your doctor before using emla® on larger areas, for leg ulcers, or on your genitals.
2. Squeeze
Please check the Patient Information Leaflet provided in your pack to determine the amount of cream you will need for you or your child’s procedure. Squeeze out a thick layer of cream onto your skin. A 2g dose covers an area slightly larger than a two-dollar coin.
3. Cover
If you are using a Tegaderm® dressing (supplied with the 5g tube of emla®), remove the centre cut-out piece. Peel the paper liner from the paper-framed dressing. Next, smooth down the dressing edges carefully to ensure it is secure. You can also use plastic wrap to cover the cream, and hold the dressing in place with adhesive or medical tape to make sure it’s air-tight.
4. Record
It’s a good idea to write down the time you applied the cream on the dressing so that you can remember.
5. Relax
You can leave the dressing and cream on for the doctor to remove unless otherwise instructed. emla® will last for at least 2 hours after application. Your skin may look a little white where the patch has been applied; this is expected, and your skin will return to normal as the numbing effect wears off.