Which Is The Most Common Topical Anesthetic?

Topical anesthetics are effective in treating pain during minor procedures and in children. They block sodium channels in nerve fibers and prevent the transmission of pain signals. Because they are absorbed through the skin, topical anesthetics prevent depolarization of the nerve. The nerve fibers are located in the dermis and epidermis and protected by the stratum corneum. Topical anesthetics overcome this barrier using pressured gas drug delivery, heat-enhanced diffusion, and iontophoresis.

Lidocaine:

Lidocaine is a common topical anesthetic that acts on the nerve fibers of the dermis. It is a common choice for numbing procedures, especially in children. This anesthetic is highly effective, easy to use, and particularly beneficial for patients with needle phobia. Topical anesthetics are usually applied by a nurse or a doctor and may be applied by the patient before the procedure. They act on nerve fibers that run through the dermis and must successfully penetrate the stratum corneum to produce an anesthetic effect.

Benzocaine:

Benzocaine is a synthetic derivative of procaine, a naturally occurring amine, which is poorly soluble in water and tends to remain localized, where it is most effective. It is also not readily absorbed into the systemic circulation, which makes it particularly useful for anesthesia of large surface areas, such as the oral cavity. Although it is generally considered safe, benzocaine is associated with methemoglobinemia after large doses. Benzocaine is available in a variety of preparations, including tablets and sprays. Most commonly, it is marketed as a 20% solution.

Prilocaine:

Topical anesthetics are usually applied to the skin without needles. They are an excellent option when compared to injections because they are applied in a thin layer over a small area. However, practitioners should be careful when using these anesthetics because they may cause an allergic reaction, especially in patients with certain conditions, such as neuropathies or hypersensitivities.

Lidoderm:

Lidoderm is a prescription medicine used to ease the symptoms of nerve pain. This medicine is a local anesthetic, which means it acts on the nerve fibers in the dermis. However, lidoderm is not recommended for children younger than 12 years old. In addition, the medication may cause certain side effects and may not be effective in all patients.

The study involved 42 patients. Only two patients were excluded because the topical anesthesia used on the second visit was the same as the one used on the first and the other. After all, the patient’s parents could not give written consent. The other forty patients were aged between ten and nineteen years. The participants gave informed consent and did not decline further participation.