Key takeaways
Dibucaine (Nupercainal) and lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm) are both topical anesthetics used to relieve pain and itching. They work by numbing the area where they're applied. Dibucaine is available over-the-counter and is used for temporary relief of pain and itching from skin irritations and hemorrhoids. Lidoderm, on the other hand, is a prescription patch that's FDA-approved for nerve pain caused by shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia. Dibucaine is applied as an ointment up to 3 or 4 times a day, while Lidoderm is a patch that you apply for up to 12 hours, with at least 12 hours off in-between applications. Common side effects of dibucaine include redness and irritation, while lidocaine can cause blisters, skin irritation and, in rare cases, more serious side effects such as methemoglobinemia a blood problem that causes gray or blue-colored skin).
