Sticky boundary to retain a thick layer of eutectic mixture of local anesthetics cream at surgical site for effective anesthesia

Abstract

Topical anesthetic creams are widely used to provide local anesthesia in dermatologic surgery. To achieve the desired effect, a certain degree of penetration is required. This effect can be achieved by occlusion with a transparent dressing. However, the use of dressings for occlusion can lead to spillage of the cream, which can result in a poor anesthetic effect.1 The recommended dose of the drug is 1.5-2 g per 10 cm2 area of skin, which might not be retained under the occlusive dressing.2 Furthermore, because of poor drug diffusion, the effect of occlusion is poor in areas with physiologically thick skin, such as the feet and upper back, or in pathologically hyperkeratotic, acanthotic, or fibrosed skin.