Topical lidocaine-prilocaine vs. ice packs for laser hair removal

A study published in JAAD compared the effectiveness of ice packs to topical lidocaine-prilocaine for pain reduction during axillary laser hair removal. Participants in this randomized controlled trial received a topical lidocaine-prilocaine mixture to one axilla and ice packs to the other before undergoing hair removal treatment with an 810-nm diode laser monthly for three months. The ice pack was applied to the axilla for 10 minutes before treatment, and the topical anesthetic was applied under occlusion for 60 minutes before the treatment. 

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Participants reported higher pain scores immediately after treatment with the topical anesthetic compared with ice. After five minutes, pain scores were higher with ice. While topical anesthetics provide longer-lasting anesthesia, the authors indicate that ice packs require less time and help avoid potential side effects associated with topical anesthetics.

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Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock
Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

Clinica Victoria en San Pedro: 4000-1054
Momentum Escazu: 2101-9574

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