What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

The most common treatments for pain management during laser hair removal include Ice Packs and EMLA cream. Ice packs can cause temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort due to cold-induced vasoconstriction and reduced nerve conduction. EMLA cream, which blocks sodium channels to reduce pain, may lead to localized skin reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, and occasionally more severe allergic reactions. Both treatments are generally well-tolerated and effective for pain management in laser hair removal.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved various methods for pain management during laser hair removal, including topical anesthetics like EMLA cream, which contains lidocaine and prilocaine to block sodium channels and numb the skin. Additionally, cryotherapy or the use of ice packs is a common practice to reduce pain through cold-induced vasoconstriction and reduced nerve conduction. These methods help manage discomfort during the procedure, ensuring a more tolerable experience for patients.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives for pain control in laser hair removal include cold air analgesia and topical anesthetics like tetracaine gel. Cold air analgesia provides effective pain relief by cooling the skin without direct contact, which can be more comfortable for patients. Tetracaine gel, a topical anesthetic, has shown efficacy in reducing pain during dermatological procedures and may offer a viable alternative to EMLA.

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Local Anesthetic

Ice Pack and Topical EMLA cream for Laser Hair Removal

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Murad Alam, MD

Research Sponsored by Northwestern University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up up to 5 years

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests whether ice packs or numbing cream is better at reducing pain during laser hair removal under the arms. Ice packs work by cooling the skin, and the cream works by blocking pain signals.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for Caucasian or Asian females aged 18-65 with Fitzpatrick skin type I-III and coarse dark axillary hair, who are in good health and can communicate with investigators. It's not for those with certain skin conditions, scarring histories, allergies to lidocaine/prilocaine, bleeding disorders, pregnancy/lactation, mental illnesses or inability to consent.

What is being tested?

The study compares the effectiveness of using an ice pack versus EMLA cream (a numbing cream) to reduce pain during laser hair removal under the arms. This pilot study will assess how feasible these pain control methods are.

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects from EMLA may include reactions at the application site like redness or swelling. Ice packs might cause discomfort due to cold temperatures but typically have minimal risks.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ up to 5 years

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~up to 5 years

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 5 years for reporting.

Treatment Details

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Active Control

Group I: Ice PackActive Control1 Intervention

Group II: Topical EMLA creamActive Control1 Intervention

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Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Ice Pack works through cold-induced vasoconstriction and reduced nerve conduction, numbing the area and reducing pain by limiting blood flow and slowing nerve signals. EMLA, a topical anesthetic, blocks sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the initiation and transmission of nerve impulses, thereby reducing pain sensation. Understanding these mechanisms helps patients make informed decisions about pain management options during Laser Hair Removal, ensuring a more comfortable experience.