60-minute application of S-Caine Peel prior to 1,064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment of leg veins.
OBJECTIVE
Advancements in laser treatment of leg veins necessitate concurrent investigations in topical anesthesia to minimize treatment-related pain. To evaluate the efficacy of the S-Caine Peel for providing topical anesthesia after a 60-minute application.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed in two centers. Sixty patients received S-Caine Peel and placebo vehicle on different treatment sites for 60 minutes prior to laser treatment of leg veins using a 1,064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Patients rated their level of pain using a visual analog scale. Adequacy of anesthesia and expressed pain at each site were rated by the investigator.


RESULTS
The mean visual analog scale (VAS) was 27 mm for active sites compared to 43 mm for placebo (P < 0.001). Improved pain relief was noted for 67% of active versus 30% of placebo sites (P < 0.001). Anesthesia was judged adequate by the investigator for 55% of active compared with 12% of placebo sites (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The S-Caine Peel is safe and effective when applied for 60 minutes prior to laser therapy of leg veins.
Jih
Ming H
MH
DermSurgery Associates, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. mjih@dermsurgery.org
Friedman
Paul M
PM
Sadick
Neil
N
Marquez
Denise K
DK
Kimyai-Asadi
Arash
A
Goldberg
Leonard H
LH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; C493081:S-Caine Peel; D011318:Prilocaine; D013748:Tetracaine; D008012:Lidocaine