In general , active non-invasive anaesthetic methods seemed to provide favourable results compared to placebo or no anaesthesia , and topical anaesthetic drugs and PSF seemed to result in a better pain reduction than skin cooling .
However , the current evidence is insufficient to provide recommendations for daily clinical practice .
Future studies should also evaluate sex differences in pain perception , have uniformity with regard to vali date d pain measurement scales and address clinical ly significant differences in pain reduction besides statistically significant differences
Pain is a common side-effect of dermatological laser procedures .
Non-invasive anaesthetic drugs and anaesthetic procedures can be used to provide pain relief and increase patient satisfaction and treatment efficacy .
However , it remains unclear which method provides the best pain relief .
The objective of this systematic review was therefore to assess the efficacy and safety of non-invasive anaesthetic methods during dermatological laser procedures .
60-minute application of S-Caine Peel prior to 1,064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment of leg veins.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Advancements in laser treatment of leg veins necessitate concurrent investigations in topical anesthesia to minimize treatment-related pain . To evaluate the efficacy of the S-Caine Peel for providing topical anesthesia after a 60-minute application . STUDY DESIGN / PATIENTS AND METHODS A r and omized , double-blinded , placebo-controlled trial was performed in two centers . Sixty patients received S-Caine Peel and placebo vehicle  on different treatment sites for 60 minutes prior to laser treatment of leg veins using a 1,064 nm long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser .  Patients rated their level of pain using a visual analog scale . Adequacy of anesthesia and expressed pain at each site were rated by the investigator . RESULTS The mean visual analog scale ( VAS ) was 27 mm for active sites compared to 43 mm for placebo ( P < 0.001 ) . Improved pain relief was noted for 67 % of active versus 30 % of placebo sites ( P < 0.001 ) . Anesthesia was judged adequate by the investigator for 55 % of active compared with 12 % of placebo sites ( P < 0.001 ) . CONCLUSIONS The S-Caine Peel is safe and effective when applied for 60 minutes prior to laser therapy of leg veins
In general , active non-invasive anaesthetic methods seemed to provide favourable results compared to placebo or no anaesthesia , and topical anaesthetic drugs and PSF seemed to result in a better pain reduction than skin cooling .
However , the current evidence is insufficient to provide recommendations for daily clinical practice .
Future studies should also evaluate sex differences in pain perception , have uniformity with regard to vali date d pain measurement scales and address clinical ly significant differences in pain reduction besides statistically significant differences
Pain is a common side-effect of dermatological laser procedures .
Non-invasive anaesthetic drugs and anaesthetic procedures can be used to provide pain relief and increase patient satisfaction and treatment efficacy .
However , it remains unclear which method provides the best pain relief .
The objective of this systematic review was therefore to assess the efficacy and safety of non-invasive anaesthetic methods during dermatological laser procedures .