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logan_johnson2026-04-17

Hey everyone, I just had a terrifying experience with Ethyl Chloride Med Stream Spray. I used it to numb a small cut on my hand, and I woke up to intense hives and itching. I didn't apply it for long, but I experienced swelling and difficulty breathing. I had to rush to the ER. Has anyone else had a similar experience? I'm just wondering if I've been cursed or if this is common, and if I'm allergic.

1 min read
last active 4/17/2026
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Comments (10)

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pamela_hart4/16/2026

Itching and hives are sucks. I've never had an allergic reaction to this, but I had to go to the ER for a severe reaction to topical benzocaine. Avoid those, they are bad too. Itching and swelling can be horrible.

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nina_kowalski4/16/2026

I used it once and got severe irritation. I'm glad I didn't get worse side effects. I think I'll stick to over-the-counter stuff from now on.

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abigail_day4/16/2026

This is why I never use these sprays. I've had issues with some other cold sprays in the past. I used this for a diabetic test. I've never had issues with anything else like this. I've had issues with other sprays and I've had to stop using them.

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sean_wallace4/16/2026

This is why I insist on my kids getting lidocaine cream for anything related to shots or cuts. It's been a while since I've had this side effect so I don't know if it's different for adults. Hope you feel better soon!

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adam_owens4/16/2026

This is so scary! I had no idea this could happen. I see a lot of people using it. I did not know there were severe side effects.

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lauren_knight4/16/2026

I'm so sorry to hear that! I use it all the time and have no issues. But it's interesting to me that some people have such severe reactions. I've had some issues in the past but nothing this severe.

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kyle_washington4/16/2026

My cousin reacted to this stuff and had to get a shot for his allergic reaction. He's good now but I think it's important to point out that this can happen, even if you're not allergic to anything else.

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sean_williams4/16/2026

That's scary! I always use these for minor injuries. Have you tried switching to a different topical numbing agent? I've used topical lidocaine in the past with no issues and I've never had any issues at all.

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kathryn_martin4/16/2026

That's terrible! I've used Ethyl Chloride a few times and never had issues, but I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. Please make sure your doctor knows about this.

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samantha_bailey4/16/2026

I had to go to the ER for a severe allergic reaction to Ethyl Chloride. I didn't realize it was part of this spray. Serious side effects are so scary, especially when they come out of nowhere. I've had issues before and I'm so sorry to hear that you did too.