The efficacy of a topical lidocaine/prilocaine anesthetic gel in 35% trichloroacetic acid peels.
BACKGROUND
A topical formulation of lidocaine and prilocaine has been shown to provide effective anesthesia for certain superficial skin treatments.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a topical self-occluding gel containing lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 3.5% in reducing the discomfort of 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels.


METHODS
Ten patients who had previously undergone 35% TCA peels were treated with this anesthetic gel prior to their second 35% TCA peel. They rated their level of discomfort in comparison with their previous peel with no anesthesia.


RESULTS
Eight of 10 patients reported at least a 40% reduction in discomfort. However, there was a tendency for the anesthetic gel to enhance the depth of the peel.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical lidocaine/prilocaine gel is an effective agent for reducing the discomfort associated with 25% TCA peeling. However, it should only be used with TCA below 30% concentrations due to its ability to enhance the depth of the peel.
Rubin
M G
MG
Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, USA.
D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000379:methods*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid
D005782:Gels; D011318:Prilocaine; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid; D008012:Lidocaine