Comparison of a topical mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) versus 1% lidocaine infiltration on wound healing

We compared a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA, Astra Pharmaceuticals, Inc) with 1% lidocaine infiltration to determine the effect on wound healing in a prospective single blind study using the rat model. Thirty-six wounds were assessed. No clinical or histologic evidence of infection or necrosis was present in any wound. Five wounds (two in the lidocaine and three in the EMLA group, P = 1.0) demonstrated a widened scar owing to healing by secondary intention following suture disruption. There was no significant difference between groups in the degree of inflammation (P = 0.08). We conclude that EMLA does not affect wound healing adversely and is comparable to 1% lidocaine infiltration in the animal model. Further study to determine its anesthetic effect in laceration repair is presently being undertaken.