Soothe Nipple Piercing Pain: Lidocaine Spray and Other Options

One of the most common questions found online regarding piercings is “Do piercings hurt?”

Even if body piercings are common, some people can be put off by the pain caused by the procedure and maximising comfort becomes a priority.

Some piercings hurt more than others, and some individual factors such as pain tolerance can influence that, so everyone is going to react differently, but overall it’s well known that piercings can be painful due to a needle being used for the procedure.

In this article, we will cover some tips and tricks on how to reduce pain.

How to reduce pain when having body piercings done

Below, we will list some of the most effective ways to increase comfort during the procedure. Some are more effective than others, but when combined, you will get the most of it!

• First of all, it’s essential to find a reputable and knowledgeable piercer, as a professional will know how to pierce the area correctly and with as little pain as possible. They will know which size of needle to select and which type.
• Piercers will also help to understand the procedure, and what happens during and after it. It’s important to let them know about any worries and concerns to ease any anxiety.
• Another method to deal with the pain is to take over-the-counter painkillers before the procedure; these won’t completely negate the pain, but they will lessen it.

It’s recommended not to take ibuprofen which could increase the chance of bleeding.

• Thinking about something else or having someone that can distract from the procedure is also very useful, as well as deep breathing exercises to take the mind off of it.
• The next tip on how to reduce pain during piercing is using numbing sprays, numbing creams or similar agents. Further below we will recommend the best and most effective sprays and creams available on the market.

Different piercings, Different Pain Levels

Piercings can be done in various areas of the body, and some are notoriously more painful than others, so those who want to get them often look for shared experiences online to know what to expect from the procedure.

Among the various areas of the body that can be pierced, one of the most painful areas is considered to be the nipples.

Getting a nipple piercing can be exciting, but the process can be painful and the healing period quite long and uncomfortable.

Luckily, as mentioned earlier in the article, there are several ways to reduce the pain associated with this type of piercing, and these can all be done from home.

Why are nipple piercings considered one of the most painful?

The nipples are highly sensitive due to the high concentration of nerve endings.

When pierced, these nerves are disrupted, causing a sharp pain followed by soreness during the healing process, which could last anywhere between 6 to 12 months, on average.

Best numbing agents

The most commonly used numbing agent for body piercing is Lidocaine.

Lidocaine is a topical anaesthetic that works by blocking the nerve signals in your body, and it has several benefits.

• Quick Pain Relief: Lidocaine spray or cream acts quickly, providing relief after 10-15 minutes after applying it
• Ease of Use: The application is straightforward and doesn’t require elaborate instructions
• Effective: Many people find lidocaine highly effective in reducing both initial piercing pain and soreness during the healing period

Reviews of Lidocaine Spray for Body Piercing Pain

Based on our research, we have found that Lidocaine spray is generally preferred for the following reasons:

• Experience: Most people report a significant reduction in pain when using lidocaine spray, both before and after piercing
• Recommended by Healthcare Professionals: Many Healthcare Professionals recommend lidocaine spray for minor skin procedures, including tattoos and piercings
• Easy to buy: Lidocaine spray is widely available in pharmacies and online (including our shop), making it an accessible option for everyone

Best Lidocaine Sprays for Body Piercings:

• Lox Numbing Spray – 10% Lidocaine
• Nummit Lidocaine Spray Aerosol – 15% Lidocaine, one of the strongest sprays available

Other Numbing Options

While sprays are the most popular, there are other numbing options that can be considered. Here are some alternatives:

Numbing Creams

Numbing creams are a topical anaesthetic that can be used to reduce pain and discomfort during body piercing procedures. Like the sprays, they work by temporarily numbing the skin and the underlying tissue, allowing the piercing to be performed with minimal discomfort.

The most popular numbing creams are the following:

• EMLA Cream: A mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine, EMLA is a strong numbing cream often used for medical procedures. It’s known for its deep numbing effect, which can be particularly useful for nipple piercings.
• Prilox Cream: Contains a mix of lidocaine and prilocaine and is highly rated for its effectiveness and speed in numbing the skin.

Numbing Gels and Patches

• Lidocaine Gel: Similar to the spray, lidocaine gel can be applied directly to the nipple area for effective pain relief.
• Numbing Patches: These patches are pre-soaked with an anaesthetic agent and can be placed on the nipples before piercing. They offer a controlled dose of numbing agent and are easy to use.

Other Methods to Numb Nipple Pain at Home

It’s possible to supplement the use of numbing products, like the following home remedies:

• Ice: Applying ice to the nipples before piercing can numb the area and reduce pain. Wrap ice in a cloth and hold it against the area for about 5 minutes.
• Cold Water: Similar to the ice method, soaking a cloth in cold water and applying it to the nipples can also help numb the area.

FAQs

Is it safe to put Lidocaine on my nipples before piercing?

Absolutely! You can use lidocaine on your nipples before piercing to help numb the area and reduce pain. Make sure to follow the product instructions carefully and consult with your piercer beforehand.

How to numb nipples at home?

Whether you are using a spray or a cream, it’s recommended to wear gloves to avoid spreading the numbing agent to other areas.

You can clean the area with some alcohol first, and then you can apply the numbing agent. You will start having a tingling sensation after 5 minutes and will be fully numb at around 15-20 minutes after the application. At that point, you can remove the cream with a tissue and proceed with the body piercing.

What about after the procedure? Can I still use numbing sprays and creams?

Yes! It’s possible to use these products after getting pierced, and it’s recommended to use an anti-inflammatory cream to reduce the swelling and inflammation, which will consequently reduce the pain. You will find some anti-inflammatory creams in our shops on in any pharmacy.

Are Numbing Sprays just for “difficult” piercings?

No, many numbing sprays used for nipple piercings can also be used for more “mundane” types of piercings, such as ear piercings. The principles of pain relief are the same.

Conclusion

Managing the pain can be a way to improve the experience of getting pierced, no matter the area of the body.

Lidocaine spray stands out as the best choice for many due to its ease of use and how fast it is. However, there are various other options, including creams, gels, and other methods, that can also help you through the process.

References

1. Itai Shavit et al. Lidocaine-based topical anesthetic with disinfectant (LidoDin) versus EMLA for venipuncture: a randomized controlled trial. Clin J Pain. 2009 Oct;25(8):711-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19920722/
2. R Slator 1, T E Goodacre. EMLA cream on the ears–is it effective? A prospective, randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of topical anaesthetic cream in reducing the pain of local anaesthetic infiltration for prominent ear correction. Br J Plast Surg. 1995 Apr;48(3):150-3. doi: 10.1016/0007-1226(95)90146-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7735677/
3. Frédéric J Mercier 1, Marie-Pierre Bonnet. Tattooing and various piercing: anaesthetic considerations. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2009 Jun;22(3):436-441. doi: 10.1097/ACO.0b013e32832a4125. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19384230/

Post by:

 Dr.Marcella Jiovanni

Health and Beauty Expert

“Marcella Jiovanni actively promotes the importance of maintaining healthy skin, she envisions the future of dermatology as moving away from pure medical, pharmacological dermatology and flowing more toward a holistic approach to wellness and skincare.”