23 and TERRIFIED of needles..

I know it seems silly, but I've always had a deathly fear of needles. I have had them, but I nearly have a panic attack when I am getting ready to have one. Just talking about having to get a shot or needle and I tense up. I can't seem to get over it. It just hurts so much! Anyways, my question is (because I know I will face many more needles in my lifetime), Are there deep skin creams doctors can use to help numb it more and/or is it possible to get muscle relaxers or something to calm me down before the shot (or blood test)??

My goodness - all these people with their silly answers and pop-psychology.

The answer to your question is: Yes you can get a cream that numbs your skin. It is called "Xylocaine 2% jelly" (It's actually 20 mg's of Lidocaine - which is similar to the Novocaine you get before a dentist fills a cavity - only not as strong and it's topical - not injectable)

I can't remember if I bought it over-the-counter at CVS or my dermotologist prescribed it to me. Either way, you can get this cream very easily.

REMEMBER to apply it at LEAST 45 minutes before you get a shot - because it takes that long to work. (Since you are rubbing it into your skin - not injecting it - that's why it takes so long). Do NOT wait until you get to Dr's office to apply it. And don't ask your Dr's to apply it first because they don't want to sit around and wait 1 hour for the cream to work - so you have to do it yourself.