Local anesthetics are drugs that block the sensation of pain in a specific area of the body by preventing the transmission of nerve impulses. They achieve this by temporarily blocking sodium channels on nerve cell membranes. This results in the prevention of the generation and propagation of action potentials, leading to a loss of sensation in the affected area. Local anesthetics can be administered through various routes, including topical, injectable, and regional anesthesia.

In dermatology, local anesthetics are commonly used to reduce pain associated with skin procedures such as biopsies, excisions, and laser treatments. They are also used for pain relief in conditions such as post-herpetic neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and pruritus. Examples of commonly used local anesthetics in dermatology include lidocaine, bupivacaine, and prilocaine. These agents are generally safe and well-tolerated, but potential side effects include local tissue reactions, allergic reactions, and systemic toxicity.

Local anesthetics can be administered alone or in combination with other agents such as corticosteroids or epinephrine to enhance their effects or prolong their duration of action. In addition to their analgesic effects, local anesthetics also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful in the treatment of certain dermatologic conditions.

In this learning module, you will find a comprehensive review of the different types of local anesthetics used in dermatology, including their mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, adverse effects, and drug interactions.

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1. Bolognia, J., Cerroni, L., & Schaffer, J. V. (2018). Dermatology. Philadelphia: Elsevier.

2. Wolverton, S. E. (2021). Comprehensive dermatologic drug therapy. Edinburgh: Saunders.