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Local anesthesia

Local anesthesia is a method to deliver pain control medication to a specific area. It can be injected or rubbed into the skin to numb an area and its surrounding tissues.

Local anesthesia does not make the person sleepy or relieve other pains. However, it may be used along with other medications that have properties to relax or provide stronger pain relief.

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer John M. Freedman, MD - Anesthesiology
Last Updated February 4, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 04, 2008
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