Thirty-Minute Application of the S-Caine Peel Prior to Nonablative Laser Treatment

Abstract

The S-Caine Peel provided effective and safe dermal anesthesia after only a 30-minute application period for nonablative laser treatment with the 1450-nm diode laser. The unique vehicle readily delivers anesthetic to contoured regions of the body and eliminates the need for occlusion.

Review of Lidocaine/Tetracaine Cream as a Topical Anesthetic for Dermatologic Laser Procedures

“…Another common topical lidocaine formulation, LMX, uses liposomes as the delivery method for improved penetration and for sustained release of the anesthetic agent (4 % lidocaine) even after the cream is removed from the skin [6, 11]. Both of these topical treatment options are effective at relieving pain, but they require lengthy application times and occlusion, and may provide inadequate anesthesia at peripheral skin margins [11, 12]. EMLA cream has proven to have anesthetic efficacy in several clinical trials involving such dermatologic procedures as cryotherapy, pulsed dye laser treatment, and debridement of leg ulcers [13–16].…”

“…Lidocaine/tetracaine cream has the highest approved concentrations of lidocaine and tetracaine that has also proven to be safe and effective in producing local dermal anesthesia for dermatological procedures [12]. Its novel vehicle functions as a self-occluding cream—the product is applied as a cream that dries to a pliable membrane upon exposure to air [6, 12]. This unique formulation allows for easy application, removal, and access to areas deemed difficult for other topical anesthetics.…”

“…The effectiveness of lidocaine/tetracaine cream was further evaluated in a double-blind study of 20 subjects undergoing nonablative laser treatment [12]. Subjects, investigators, and independent observers assessed the anesthetic effects of lidocaine/tetracaine cream compared to placebo after a 30-min application time [12].…”

“…Subjects, investigators, and independent observers assessed the anesthetic effects of lidocaine/tetracaine cream compared to placebo after a 30-min application time [12]. VAS scores were significantly lower in the treatment sites compared to placebo ( P  < 0.001) [12]. Investigators also noted adequate anesthesia in 95 % of treatment sites compared to 20 % of placebo sites [12].…”

Topical Dermatological Drug Delivery: Quo Vadis?

“…Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of a peel forming cream containing lidocaine/tetracaine mixture to provide satisfactory anaesthesia and reduce the time of onset of action compared to a cream and or placebo during dermatologic surgery [104,105]. A positive patient experience has been reported with the use of peels, studies have confirmed that the peel is well tolerated with side effects limited to localized and transient skin reactions, which do not interfere with clinical outcome [104][105][106]. The self occluding nature of the peel may play a vital role in promoting drug absorption and enhancing the duration of action of topically applied medicaments.…”