EMLA cream as a topical anaesthetic for ulcer debridement and simultaneous split-skin grafting

Abstract

The object of the study was to investigate the effect of EMLA cream when used as an anaesthetic for the debridement of ulcers and wounds. The cream was applied to a fresh, standardized wound caused by a dermatome, to an ulcer which was to be revised and for simultaneous split-skin grafting to both donor site and recipient area to be debrided. The effect on wound healing, the plasma concentrations of lidocaine and prilocaine and the analgesic effect following the application of EMLA to the ulcer and to both ulcer and donor site were studied. The study showed that EMLA cream when topically applied has a sufficient analgesic effect for revision of an open ulcer and can be used concomitantly for both revision of the ulcer and cutting of the split-skin graft. The application of EMLA cream to the fresh wound, or to the recipient area prior to cleaning, did not cause any clinical signs of a delayed healing at the applied areas compared to the control sites.

Debridement of Chronic Wounds: A Nursing Perspective

“…Several trials have shown that topical EMLA is effective in reducing pain during the debridement procedure. 8,9 Sharp debridement should always be undertaken with another professional present. This assistant can reassure the patient, observe for any distress, and call for help should the need arise.…”

Venous leg ulcer patients: a review of the literature on lifestyle and pain‐related interventions

“…Vanscheidt also included three open, uncontrolled studies on the use of EMLA (Wanger et al. , 1990; Barghorn & Wagner, 1994; Ohlsen et al. , 1994), and a study on lidocaine/prilocaine plasma levels after application of EMLA cream (Larsson‐Stymne, 1990).…”