Alternatives to Outgro Pain Relief If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

Outgro Pain Relief has become increasingly hard to find in 2026, with major pharmacy chains removing it from shelves. But the need for temporary foot pain relief and minor skin irritation treatment hasn't gone away. Fortunately, there are several solid OTC alternatives that either use the same active ingredient or address the same conditions through different mechanisms.

What Does Outgro Pain Relief Actually Do?

Before choosing an alternative, it helps to understand what Outgro does. Its active ingredient — benzocaine 20% w/v — is a topical local anesthetic that temporarily blocks nerve signals in the skin to reduce pain and itching. It provides about 10 minutes of relief per application and can be applied up to 3-4 times daily. It is for external use only and works on minor skin irritations of the toes, heels, arch, and ball of the foot.

1. Dr. Scholl's Ingrown Toenail Pain Reliever (Best for Ingrown Toenails)

If you're using Outgro primarily for ingrown toenail discomfort, Dr. Scholl's Ingrown Toenail Pain Reliever is your best alternative. It contains sodium sulfide 1% in a gel vehicle, and unlike benzocaine, it received FDA approval in 2003 specifically for the temporary relief of pain and discomfort from ingrown toenails. It works by softening the skin surrounding the nail edge, reducing the pressure and irritation caused by the nail digging into the skin. Available at CVS, Walgreens, Target, and most major pharmacies.

Best for: Ingrown toenail discomfort specifically

Active ingredient: Sodium sulfide 1%

Availability: Widely available at major pharmacies

2. Dermoplast Spray (Same Active Ingredient, Different Format)

Dermoplast is a topical spray containing benzocaine 20% — the same concentration as Outgro. It also contains menthol 0.5%, which adds a cooling sensation. While it's commonly found in hospital postpartum kits, Dermoplast is an OTC product available in most pharmacies. The spray format makes it easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas. It's appropriate for minor skin irritations, minor burns, cuts, insect bites, and similar conditions.

Best for: Broad minor skin irritation relief with same benzocaine concentration as Outgro

Active ingredient: Benzocaine 20%, menthol 0.5%

Availability: Widely available at major pharmacies

3. Generic Benzocaine 20% Topical Liquid or Gel

Store-brand topical anesthetics with benzocaine 20% are available at CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, and similar retailers. These generics contain the exact same active ingredient at the same concentration as Outgro. Look in the first aid or foot care sections. They typically cost $5–$10 and work identically to the brand-name product.

Best for: Cost-effective Outgro equivalent

Active ingredient: Benzocaine 20%

Availability: Common at most pharmacies

4. LMX 4 Lidocaine 4% Cream (Prescription-Free Lidocaine Option)

For patients who want a different class of topical anesthetic — or those who have had reactions to benzocaine — LMX 4 contains 4% lidocaine in a cream base and is available OTC. Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic (benzocaine is an ester), so it's appropriate for patients with ester anesthetic allergies. LMX 4 provides longer-lasting numbing (30-60 minutes) compared to benzocaine.

Best for: Patients who cannot use benzocaine products

Active ingredient: Lidocaine 4%

Availability: Available at specialty pharmacies and online

Which Alternative Should You Choose?

Here's a quick decision guide:

Ingrown toenail pain → Dr. Scholl's Ingrown Toenail Pain Reliever

General foot irritation + same formula as Outgro → Generic benzocaine 20% or Dermoplast

Benzocaine allergy or sensitivity → LMX 4 (lidocaine 4%)

If you want to confirm which of these alternatives is available near you before making a trip, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have your medication in stock — including OTC products — and texts you the results.

Before switching medications, it's also worth reviewing Outgro Pain Relief Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor to understand the safety profile of benzocaine products.