Introduction
Emla patches are patches containing lidocaine and prilocaine. These are local anaesthetics. By sticking the Emla Patch on, subsequent procedures such as blood sampling or vein accesses can be performed painlessly. This is especially used in pediatrics to take away the fear of needles for the little patients and not to connect a stay in hospital with pain. Small surgical procedures on the skin surface can also be performed in this way for both adults and children.
The indication for Emla Patch
The main indications for Emla patches are minor interventions on the skin surface and the insertion of needles. Particularly in the anaesthetic induction, it has proven to be a good idea not to place venous accesses in children until after the application of an Emla patch, as this reduces the children’s fear of future operations. Small surgical procedures, such as the removal of molluscicles, can also be performed under Emla anaesthesia.
Emla patches are used less frequently in adults, and are particularly useful for patients who are very sensitive to pain and anxious. Blood sampling is a horror scenario in the pediatric practice for many children, but it is still important for many laboratory tests. The Emla Patch can prevent pain in these cases.
The children hardly feel the puncture of the needle and are less anxious during further visits to the pediatrician. It is also advantageous for the blood collection itself if the children do not feel any pain and do not resist the procedure. It is often easier for the parents to take their children to the pediatrician if the pediatrician works with Emla patches when taking blood samples. However, not every pediatrician uses the Emla patches.
The active ingredient in Emla patches
The active ingredients in Emla patches are lidocaine and prilocaine. These are local anaesthetics. Local anesthesia is triggered by the patch releasing the active ingredient into the upper layers of the skin near the pain receptors.
The active ingredient stabilizes the membranes of the nerve cells by blocking the voltage-dependent sodium channels. Normally, there is a permanent change in ion concentrations at the membrane. This exchange is necessary so that a nerve impulse, in this case pain, can be transmitted via so-called action potentials.
Depending on the dosage, lidocaine first switches off pain fibers, then temperature sensation and finally pressure and touch. In light dosage, i.e. only a short application of a patch, the needle prick is felt, but it is not perceived as painful. The active ingredient only acts at the point where the patch is applied and therefore has little effect on the rest of the body. Lidocaine and prilocaine are then absorbed by the body and excreted via the kidneys.
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