BLT Numbing Cream
A compounded topical numbing cream with benzocaine 20%, lidocaine 6%, and tetracaine 4%, prescribed by a licensed provider for use on intact skin before certain procedures. It is not FDA approved.
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
See it before your first visit
Photographs of the medication as dispensed.
What it is
BLT is a compounded topical numbing cream that combines three local anesthetics: benzocaine 20%, lidocaine 6%, and tetracaine 4%. A licensed provider may prescribe it to numb intact skin before a procedure, such as laser treatment, microneedling, injections, or tattooing. It is supplied as a 30 gm cream.
It is a compounded medication. It is not FDA approved, and the FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness, or quality. It is a high-strength product, and it must be used exactly as your provider and pharmacy label direct. Your provider decides whether it is appropriate for you.
How it works
Benzocaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine are local anesthetics. They block nerve signals in the skin, which reduces the feeling of pain, touch, and pressure in the treated area. The cream works on the surface of the skin and is not meant to numb deeper tissue. The three ingredients are combined in one cream, but the evidence for this specific combination and strength is limited, and results vary.
What to expect
Your provider will tell you exactly where to apply it, how much to use, how long to leave it on, and when to remove it. Apply it only to the area your provider directs, and only to clean, intact skin. Do not cover it with plastic wrap or a bandage unless your provider specifically tells you to, and do not use heat on the area.
You may feel numbness, tingling, or mild redness. Numbness wears off after the cream is removed. Never apply more than directed, even if the area is not numb. Results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
Who it is for
BLT is prescribed after an evaluation by a licensed provider. It is not appropriate for everyone. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have a history of methemoglobinemia, heart, liver, or lung disease, or if you have ever had a reaction to a numbing medication, to benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine, or to PABA. It is not for use on children unless a provider specifically directs it. Share every medication and skin product you use.
Side effects
Common side effects include redness, itching, swelling, burning, stinging, and skin irritation where the cream was applied. Allergic skin reactions can occur.
Serious reactions are rare but can happen, especially if too much is used, if it covers a large area, or if it is left on too long or under a covering. Seek emergency care right away for blue, gray, or pale skin or lips, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, ringing in the ears, a metallic taste, muscle twitching, seizures, or severe swelling or hives.
Read this before you start
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.
Compounded medication. This medication is compounded by a pharmacy for an individual patient. It is not FDA approved, and the FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness, or quality.
High-strength topical anesthetic. Serious side effects, including death, have been reported with high-strength topical anesthetics when they are applied to large areas of skin, left on too long, or covered with wraps or bandages. Use only the amount, area, and time your provider directs.
Methemoglobinemia. Benzocaine, and sometimes other local anesthetics, can cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that reduces oxygen delivery in the blood. Seek emergency care for blue or gray skin, trouble breathing, or fast heartbeat.
Do not apply to broken, irritated, infected, or sunburned skin, or to large areas of the body. Keep it away from eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and mucous membranes. For external use only.
Allergy. Do not use if you are allergic to benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine, or other local anesthetics, or to PABA.
Avoid heat and coverings. Do not use heating pads, hot baths, saunas, or occlusive wraps on the treated area unless your provider says it is safe.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk to your provider before using it.
Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wash your hands after applying.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice.
Common questions
Is BLT numbing cream FDA approved?
No. It is a compounded medication. The FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness, or quality.
What is in BLT cream?
BLT contains benzocaine 20%, lidocaine 6%, and tetracaine 4% in a topical cream. It comes in a 30 gm size.
What is BLT cream used for?
Licensed providers prescribe it to numb intact skin before procedures such as laser treatment, microneedling, injections, or tattooing. Your provider decides if it is appropriate for you.
Do I need a prescription for BLT cream?
Yes. It is a compounded prescription medication prepared by a pharmacy after a provider evaluates you.
How do I use BLT cream safely?
Use only the amount, area, and time your provider and pharmacy label direct. Apply to clean, intact skin, do not cover it unless your provider says to, and never use it on large areas of the body.
What are the risks of numbing creams?
Skin irritation is the most common. Rare but serious risks include methemoglobinemia and anesthetic toxicity, especially with overuse. Seek emergency care for blue or gray skin, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, or seizures.
Can I use BLT cream if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Talk to your provider before using it.
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