OPTIMAL APPLICATION TIMES OF A EUTECTIC MIXTURE OF LOCAL-ANESTHETICS (EMLA(R)) CREAM BEFORE DERMABRASION OF VITILIGINOUS SKIN

The analgesic effect of EMLA(R) cream was studied in 45 patients with vitiligo in which the epidermis was removed by dermabrasion before tra nsplantation of autologous, cultured melanocytes. The pin-prick test w as also used to evaluate the anaesthetic. The duration of EMLA(R) appl ication required to obtain optimal analgesia was found to be dependent upon the site treated. In areas with thick skin such as the dorsal as pects of the feet and the fingers, up to 4 and 6 h, respectively, were needed to obtain a good analgesic effect. When such long application times are used it is very important to apply sufficient amounts of EML A(R) and to lightly massage the area every hour to check that the crea m is evenly distributed and has not been displaced, which can easily h appen over joints. On the face, the EMLA cream ws applied 1-2 h before dermabrasion. Here, the dermabrasion must be performed within 15 min after removal of the cream, because of the rapid absorption of the loc al anaesthetics from the epidermal reservoir.