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

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.