lidocaine hydrochloride is in the same family as cocaine.  it is a pain reliever. bactine, an over-the-counter spray-on pain relief and infection fighter, contains 2.5% lidocaine hydrochloride.  this is more than any other pain relievers i could find in the store.

i was looking for lidocaine hydrochloride because, as i was cleaning the grill at my work, which at that moment was covered in very hot grease (the grill registered at 400 degrees F), two of my knuckles fell onto the metal surface.  i watched as blisters formed and continued to close down the kitchen with my hand stuck in a glass of ice water.  what should have been a one hour job became a two hour job.

after work i went looking for the aforementioned bactine.  i found it, and sprayed it on whenever i happened to feel a burning sensation on my knuckles (about every three minutes for thirty minutes…several sprays, liberally coating the surrounding area with bactine.)  i became alarmed when i read the directions: apply small amount on area 1-3 times daily.  i can’t feel any change in temperature on my knuckles now.