A double-blind placebo controlled study of a 5% lidocaine/prilocaine cream (EMLA) for topical anesthesia during thermolysis.

BACKGROUND

Electrolysis and thermolysis are commonly used electrosurgical methods for the permanent destruction of unwanted hair. However, patient fear of pain during treatment may interfere with or even prevent desired treatment of hirsutism on sensitive areas such as the upper lip.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of EMLA (Eutetic Mixture of Local Anesthetics), a 5% lidocaine/prilocaine cream, as a topically applied local anesthetic during thermolysis on the upper lip.

METHODS

A double-blind placebo control study was conducted by the University of Texas Medical Branch thermolysis clinic. Thirty women with idiopathic hirsutism of the upper lip were studied. Pain was measured with a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

Total paired VAS score differences comparing the placebo VAS scores to the EMLA VAS scores were significant by paired t-test (P = .0001). Adverse reactions were mild and transient.

CONCLUSION

EMLA cream may have multiple applications to the practice of dermatologic surgery, including topically achieved local anesthesia during thermolysis and electrolysis.