What type of anesthesia typically involves the use of creams or gels applied to the skin?

Surface anesthesia primarily refers to the application of anesthetic agents directly onto the skin or mucous membranes in the form of creams or gels. This method allows for the numbing of superficial tissues in a localized area without the need for injections. It is often used for minor procedures, such as the removal of small skin lesions or prior to venipuncture, as it provides pain relief at the site of application.

While local anesthesia can refer to the overall numbing of a specific area, it typically encompasses not just surface applications, but also injections that block sensation in deeper tissues. General anesthesia involves inducing unconsciousness for more invasive procedures, and regional anesthesia typically refers to methods that numb a larger area of the body, such as spinal blocks, which do not utilize topical creams or gels. Thus, surface anesthesia is specifically the term that best describes the use of topical anesthetics, highlighting its direct application to the skin.