J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2011 Feb;18(1):46-53.

Effects of EMLA Cream in Intradermal Skin Test of Ampicillin Sodium Antibiotics

• Kim J
• Kang HY

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of EMLA cream (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine) on pain during ampicillin sodium intradermal (ID) skin test, and also to assess skin reaction after the skin test.
METHODS
Forty-three nurse-volunteers had skin tests with 0.01ml-0.05ml ampicillin sodium antibiotics. Skin tests were done on each forearm to compare the pain level of the skin test site after application of EMLA cream with the pain level when no EMLA cream was applied. EMLA cream was applied at the ID skin test site with an occlusive dressing for one hour. Pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale and pain sensation using the short form McGill Pain Questionnaire. The transverse diameter of the wheal and redness was read right after and at 15 minutes after the skin test. The results were compared using independent t-tests.
RESULTS
Pain score and sensation with EMLA cream treatment were significantly lower than when EMLA cream was not applied. There was no difference in skin reactions; reading of the skin test was not affected by EMLA cream.
CONCLUSIONS
EMLA cream was found to be an effective local anesthetic to relieve the pain of clients having ampicillin sodium antibiotics ID skin tests.

Keyword

Local Anesthetics; EMLA; Intradermal Tests; Pain

MeSH Terms

Ampicillin
Anesthetics, Local
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Forearm
Intradermal Tests
Lidocaine
Occlusive Dressings
Pain Measurement
Prilocaine
Sensation
Skin
Skin Tests
Ampicillin
Anesthetics, Local
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Lidocaine
Prilocaine