Injectable Lidocaine Versus Lidocaine/Tetracaine Patch for the Incision and Drainage of Skin Abscesses

Summary

Local anesthesia used for incision and drainage of abscesses is known to be painful. We studied the analgesia provided by a lidocaine/tetracaine patch compared to injectable lidocaine during incision and drainage (I\&D) of skin abscesses. Local injection of lidocaine provided similar analgesia compared to the lidocaine/tetracaine patch during I\&D of skin abscesses in the Emergency Department. Pain at presentation and following the procedure was similar in both groups.

Timeline

Start

2008-01

Primary completion

2010-01

Completion

2010-01

Drugs

Indications