Injectable Lidocaine Versus Lidocaine/Tetracaine Patch for the Incision and Drainage of Skin Abscesses

Injectable Lidocaine Provides Similar Analgesia Compared to Transdermal Lidocaine/Tetracaine Patch for the Incision and Drainage of Skin Abscesses: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Local anesthesia used for incision and drainage of abscesses is known to be painful.

We studied the analgesia provided by a lidocaine/tetracaine patch compared to injectable lidocaine during incision and drainage (I&D) of skin abscesses.

Local injection of lidocaine provided similar analgesia compared to the lidocaine/tetracaine patch during I&D of skin abscesses in the Emergency Department. Pain at presentation and following the procedure was similar in both groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age>18 years
• Skin abscess in need of incision and drainage (judged by treating physician)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to lidocaine or tetracaine
• Non-intact skin
• Unable/unwilling to provide informed consent