Can I use over-the-counter (OTC) lidocaine (generic name: lidocaine) to remove an ingrown hair at home?

Over-the-Counter Lidocaine for Ingrown Hair Removal at Home

Yes, over-the-counter topical lidocaine products are available and can be used to numb the skin before removing an ingrown hair at home, but they must be used correctly and only on intact or minimally irritated skin. 1

Available OTC Lidocaine Products

• Topical lidocaine is sold over-the-counter in various formulations including creams, gels, and patches for temporary pain relief 1
• These products are approved for external use on minor skin irritations 1

Critical Safety Restrictions from FDA Labeling

Do NOT use OTC lidocaine on:

• Cut, irritated, or swollen skin 1
• Puncture wounds 1
• Large areas of the body 1

This is particularly important for ingrown hairs because the area may already be inflamed or you may need to make a small opening in the skin to extract the hair, which would contraindicate use per FDA labeling 1.

Proper Application Instructions

If the skin is intact and only mildly irritated:

• Apply to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily 1
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after application 1
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes 1
• Do not bandage or apply heat to the area 1
• A transient burning sensation may occur but typically resolves within several days 1

When to Stop Use

Discontinue immediately and consult a doctor if: 1

• Condition worsens
• Redness develops
• Irritation occurs
• Symptoms persist beyond 7 days
• Signs of skin injury appear (pain, swelling, blistering)

Clinical Context for Dermatologic Procedures

While topical lidocaine is used in professional dermatologic settings for various procedures including biopsies and excisions 2, the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines indicate that infiltrative (injected) anesthesia is the standard for procedures requiring skin penetration 2. Maximum safe doses for adults are 4.5 mg/kg for lidocaine without epinephrine and 7.0 mg/kg with epinephrine 2, 3.

Important Caveats

• OTC topical lidocaine has limited penetration compared to injected forms used in medical settings 2
• The FDA labeling specifically warns against use on puncture wounds, which may be necessary to properly extract an ingrown hair 1
• If you need to break the skin to remove the ingrown hair, OTC lidocaine should not be applied per FDA guidelines 1
• Consider having a healthcare provider remove problematic ingrown hairs, especially if the area is infected or significantly inflamed 1