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 .
Evaluation of the S‐Caine Peel for Induction of Local Anesthesia for Laser‐Assisted Tattoo Removal: Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Multicenter Study
Background Topical anesthetics are important tools for many dermatologic procedures . The S-Caine Peel is composed of a 1:1 ( w : w ) eutectic mixture composed of lidocaine base 7 % , USP , and tetracaine base 7 % , USP . It is applied as a cream , dries on exposure to air , and forms a flexible membrane , which can be easily peeled off . Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the S-Caine Peel in providing clinical ly useful local dermal anesthesia for laser-assisted tattoo removal and to monitor the nature and frequency of adverse events associated with the safety of the S-Caine Peel . Methods Thirty adult patients undergoing laser-assisted tattoo removal were enrolled in this multicentered , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study . Each subject received both the S-Caine Peel and placebo simultaneously for 60 minutes . The primary efficacy parameter was a 100 mm visual analog scale ( VAS ) for patient self- assessment of pain . Secondary efficacy parameters included both the investigator 's and an independent observer 's evaluation of subject pain ( 4-point categorical scale : no pain through severe pain ) and the patient 's and the investigator 's overall impression of the local anesthetic . Results Mean VAS scores were 42 mm for the S-Caine Peel and 66 mm for placebo treatment sites ( p= .001 ) . Patients received adequate pain relief in 50 % of S-Caine Peel sites versus 7 % of placebo sites ( p= .002 ) . The percentage of those who would like to use the S-Caine Peel again were 43 % for the S-Caine Peel compared with 7 % for placebo ( p= .005 ) . Investigators ' evaluations revealed that 70 % of patients had less pain at S-Caine Peel treatment sites compared with 10 % with less pain at placebo sites ( p < .001 ) , and 70 % of the S-Caine Peel – treated sites achieved adequate anesthesia versus 10 % of placebo sites ( p < .001 ) . The independent witness assessed less pain in 67 % of S-Caine Peel – treated sites versus 10 % of the placebo sites ( p= .002 ) . One occurrence of moderate to severe erythema was noted at both an S-Caine Peel and a placebo treatment site on removal of the S-Caine Peel after 60 minutes , which self-resolved quickly . There was no statistical difference between the two groups . Other side effects were limited to local mild , transient erythema at the application sites . Conclusion Administration of the S-Caine Peel for 60 minutes prior to laser-assisted tattoo removal was effective in significantly reducing pain levels associated with the procedure
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 .