CNS toxicity after topical application of EMLA cream on a toddler with molluscum contagiosum.

EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) cream is used topically to provide local anesthesia for a variety of painful superficial procedures. Although the side effects of EMLA are usually mild and transient local skin reactions, potential life threatening complications can be encountered. We report a case of central nervous toxicity after EMLA application for curettage of molluscum contagiosum lesions in a pediatric patient. This complication was the result of a therapeutic misadventure that led to an excessive application of EMLA cream over an extensive area causing an overdose of lidocaine and prilocaine with their subsequent systemic toxicities.