eutectic mixture of local anesthetics


eutectic mixture of local anesthetics

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EMLA

A topical anesthetic cream composed of a mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine. A thick layer is applied to the skin to be anesthetized, covered with an occlusive bandage, and left in place for 1–2 hr. This anesthetizes the skin to a depth of about 5 mm so that superficial skin lesions can be removed or needle penetrations or minor surgeries can be performed, esp. in pediatric patients. Patients will not be aware of a needle piercing the skin; however, they will feel any tissue irritation caused by the fluid injected.