Numbing Cream
- Mickey Johnson
- Nov 4, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 4, 2023
So I bet you're wondering, "what is numbing cream and WHY has no one ever told me about this before?!"
There may be several reasons for that.
It does not work the same for everyone. Some people take around 1-2 hours to numb, while others can take up to 4 HOURS. Which is an unrealistic wait time for most.
The numbing effects can fade after about 2-3 hours of work. They fade more quickly if you continue working in one spot for too long. You would have to stop tattooing, re-apply numbing cream and wait another 2 hours to get a completely pain free tattoo. (You'll feel it the next day)
Some artists do not believe in it at all. Especially for a first tattoo. They believe you should earn it the old fashioned way. But some like me would rather the client be able to sit still. If you are UNABLE to sit still, I would consider using the cream. This goes for any areas that make you move involuntarily.
It comes in a very small tube for $15, and you may use up to 2-4 of them for one tattoo. add $30-60 to your bill.
It must be applied CORRECTLY for it to work right!

In most cases where I will not be able to apply numbing cream on you and wait for 2 hours, you will need to arrange a time to pick it up. Below are directions for use based on the company themselves, "TKTX", and my own experience.
APPLYING TKTX NUMBING CREAM
You will need antibacterial soap, running water, cling wrap, a clean face towel, and any kind of tape. I will provide you with 1 disposable razor, 6 paper towels, and 2 gloves.
***IMPORTANT! Start this process 2 HOURS PRIOR to when the Ink will be applied! Read through completely before you start.***
***ALSO IMPORTANT! If any of the following symptoms occur after using this product, stop use immediately and contact your health professional! Symptoms include: burning, pain, hives, rash, itchiness, facial swelling, and difficulty in breathing or tightness in the chest. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, 911 should be called immediately.***
Step 1- Remove all clothing that will be in the way. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Clean the tattoo area completely using a clean paper towel, antibacterial soap, and water.
Step 2- While the skin is soapy and wet, shave the area you will be tattooed completely, as well as 2-3 inches further all around it. Use a razor head that is new, or a disposable one that I provide. Make sure that you remove all stubble to reduce irritation, especially if you may be using Saniderm for healing. (I provide and apply to you). Wipe the area clean and dry with a new paper towel.
Step 3- Put a clean cloth towel under hot running water. Squeeze most of the water out then hold it over the area for 30 seconds, transferring the heat. Repeat this, then dry the entire area completely using a new clean paper towel. Now scrub hard for 30 seconds to irritate the skin, making it turn red or pink. (It’s all a part of the process).
Step 4- Avoid squeezing the tube before it is opened. Open the cap of the TKTX cream, then using the reverse side of the cap, puncture the foil sealing the tube. (Open ALL tubes you expect you'll use, 1-2 tubes.)
Put a glove on your dominant hand, without touching the finger part of the glove. If one breaks or drops to the floor, leave it there and throw it out later. Avoid touching ANY surfaces with your gloved hand. You should only touch the numbing cream, and your skin to avoid cross contamination.
With your ungloved hand, pick up the tube, and apply the cream to the skin. (Remember: do not touch ANYTHING else with your gloved hand besides the cream and your skin!) Apply the cream about 1/8" or 2-3 mm thick, using just one or two gloved fingers. Cover the entire tattoo area, as well as 1-2 inches further than where you expect it to go. (Please ask if you don't know.)
*Tip* Use one finger with a downward sweeping motion, like you are painting it on, going left to right.
Step 5- Wrap the entire area with cling wrap, sealing the edges. Don't make it tight, but not loose either. Don't be afraid to wrap it twice. Use any kind of tape to seal it if needed. Keep warm (warmth activates the cream).
Step 6- Leave on for up to 2 hours before the tattoo. If you leave it on TOO long, the effects will be gone too soon. If it is not on long enough, you will feel pain. LEAVE THE WRAP ON! I will take it off when I'm ready to put the stencil on. Your skin should turn red, pink or pale when it is numb.
The cream should last about 2-3 hours in my experience, As long as the tattoo moves along quickly. If a lot of time is spent in one area, you will start to feel discomfort.
Numbing time depends on the thickness of the cream, and sealing time.
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Pharmacological actions:
Lidocaine cream works by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerves. It does this by stopping sodium entering the nerve endings at the site of the pain. This prevents an electrical signal building up and passing along the nerve fibers to the brain.
Pharmacokinetic:
Lidocaine may be absorbed following topical administration to mucus membranes, its rate and extent of absorption depends upon the specific site of application, duration or exposure, concentration and the total dosage. You may experience reddening of the procedure area.
Warning:
*Not to be used on children under 6 years old.
*Not to be used while pregnant or lactating.
*Do not use if you have allergies to lidocaine or other local anesthetics
*You should NOT apply the cream to cuts, grazes, wounds; Areas where there is a skin rash or eczema. In or near the eyes, ears, mouth, (inside) nose or otherwise internally.
*Apply to affected areas no more than 2 times a day.
Adverse Reactions:
Its possible side effects are likely to include swelling or redness at the application site, unusual sensations on skin or pale skin. ***Severe side effects may include allergic reactions like burning, pain, hives, rash, itchiness, facial swelling, and difficulty in breathing or tightness in the chest. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, 911 should be called immediately.***
Over dosage:
Medicines affect different people in different ways. If you experience any unusual effects while using, stop and contact your medical provider immediately. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
Please visit https://www.tktxstore.com/products/tktx-gold-pomada-anesthetic-cream-deep-fast-numbing to learn more about this company and their products.

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