Lidocaine is the active ingredient in many skin-numbing creams, though there are others. Always use the smallest amount of numbing cream possible to avoid side effects, some of which can be serious.

You can use topical creams with capsaicin, lidocaine, or menthol to help relieve nerve pain. Capsaicin creams block pain signals and can cause irritation if they get in your eyes. Lidocaine creams ...