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Electrolysis Pain : What to
expect; factors involved in the perception of pain. |
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Pain Control : A
preferred method to alleviate/eliminate the discomfort of electrolysis
treatment. |
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Oral Nonopioid
Medications : Oral pain medication used in addition to topical pain
management. |
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Adjunct Medical
Support : Physician facilitated pain management during electrolysis treatment. |
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EMLA : A topical
anesthetic. |
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Occlusive Dressings
: Application instructions for cream type topical anesthetics like EMLA. |
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OTC topical analgesics
: Non-prescription topical analgesics available to the electrology
patient. |
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ABOVE, TO GO TO THAT TOPIC
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EMLA
EMLA is a
mild topical pain reliever consisting of dilute (2.5%) mixture of
lidocaine and prilocaine in equal parts. Outside of electrolysis use, it
has limited use for procedures due to its minimal pain relieving
properties. While EMLA is regularly used in electrolysis,
patients will likely find very limited pain relief.
The
concept behind the mixing of lidocaine and prilocaine is seen in its
name. The brand name, EMLA, was chosen as it is an acronym for Eutectic
Mixture of Local Anesthetics. Eutectic refers
the a mixture whose melting point is lower than that of its constituent
parts.
The goal of such a topical anesthetic is to maintain the eutectic
temperature as to allow for greater absorption through the skin
barrier. However, EMLA is contained in a cream base, detracting
from its eutectic potential by requiring thick application and covering
for a long duration.
For the
greatest effect when using EMLA or other topical preparations, the skin
must be thoroughly cleansed/degreased. This process is called
de-fatting. In the case of EMLA cream, an occlusive (film covering)
dressing must be applied over the drug. For greater detail in this type
of application, please see Occlusive Dressings.
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