ylocaine 5% Ointment is a local anesthetic. It makes your skin numb. As a gel or cream, it can be used to relieve pain, irritation, or itching caused by a wide variety of conditions. It is generally very safe, works quite quickly, and will reduce the discomfort that might be caused by an injection, having a drip (cannula) put into your skin or a small cosmetic or other surgical procedure. It is also used in procedures requiring the insertion of a tube into your mouth, nose, anus (proctoscopy) or bladder (cystoscopy) can be uncomfortable and even painful.