Yes, I'm responding to a question placed elsewhere... which got so many OT replies that I'll be lost in the noise.

Topicaine or EMLA or L.M.X.4 are the solution to this problem. I especially like using Topicaine, because it turns my skin red during the time it's soaking in, so I can easily see the middle of the "target area" after scrubbing it clean and wiping on IV Prep. The redness goes away pretty quickly.

Just be sure to plan ahead, so that you can leave it on for 75 minutes before inserting. You *do* need to cover the creme/gel with a piece of Saran wrap or IV3000, Glad "Press 'N Seal" works great for this and costs next to nothing. If you don't cover it, you'll need a lot more to achieve the same level of effectiveness.

My 4 oz. bottle of Topiciane is enough to last for YEARS, and my insertions are 100% pain free. (NOT 90%, or 95%. 100%.) :D

Thanks Rick. Sounds cool. Where do you get the topaicine? Does it require a prescription? Do you use alcohol/iv prep on top of it, or before you put the topaicine on?

I do my alcohol + IV Prep after wiping the topicaine off, not before. Like other 4% lidocaine/benzocaine ointments, no scrip is needed. [removed]