Needle-free Circumcision with Cream: How Is Topical Anesthesia Applied?
An anesthetic cream applied to the skin before circumcision can numb the treatment area. Whether the procedure can continue without an injection is determined by assessing the child and checking the numbness before starting.
What is numbing with cream?
Topical anesthesia is the application of a local anesthetic medication to the skin as a cream. It is planned with the child's age, skin, anatomical features and health in mind. The cream is applied according to the doctor's preparation plan, and the family receives detailed instructions.
How does the procedure proceed?
First the cream is applied and time is allowed for numbness to develop. Before starting circumcision, the doctor checks the application and whether the area is sufficiently numb.
If numbness is sufficient, circumcision continues without an injection. If an anatomical or individual need arises, local anesthesia may be used in addition to the cream. This possibility forms part of the assessment and information provided beforehand.
Is the same approach used for every child?
Every child's needs are different. The cream is therefore not applied to everyone using a single preparation plan. The child's characteristics and the result of the numbness check determine how to proceed.
Sharing known illnesses, allergies and medications before the procedure helps tailor the preparation to the child.
Application, waiting and duration of effect
The time spent applying the cream, the waiting time for sufficient numbness and the duration of its effect are different. A single duration is therefore not used to describe all stages. The family is told the application and preparation plan determined for their child.