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Damage to tissue defenses by EMLA cream
D M Powell1, G T Rodeheaver, P A Foresman
1Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 1, 1991
Summary
EMLA cream, used for skin anesthesia, should not be applied to wounds. Studies show it causes an exaggerated inflammatory response, harming host defenses and increasing infection risk in wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Wound healing
- Dermatology
- Infectious disease
Background:
- EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) is a topical anesthetic agent.
- Its safety and efficacy on intact skin are established.
- Its use on wounds has not been thoroughly investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of EMLA cream for anesthetizing wounds.
- To assess the effects of EMLA cream on host defenses within wounds.
- To determine the impact of EMLA cream on wound repair biology.
Main Methods:
- The study investigated the effects of EMLA cream in contaminated wound models.
- Key metrics included host defense mechanisms and wound repair processes.
- Potential toxicity was evaluated through these biological markers.
Main Results:
- EMLA cream induced an exaggerated inflammatory response in contaminated wounds.
- This heightened inflammation compromised host defenses.
- The compromised defenses increased susceptibility to infection.
Conclusions:
- EMLA cream is not recommended for use in wounds.
- Its application may impede wound healing and elevate infection risk.
- Further research into wound-specific anesthetics may be warranted.