W. G. Ketel
Feb 1, 1981
Citations
0
Influential Citations
6
Citations
Journal
Contact Dermatitis
Abstract
Delayed type allergy to lidocaine has been reported recently in several publications. Fregert et al. (1979) described two cases and summarized some others in the literature. Perhaps there is some reason for avoiding application of lidocaine for anesthesia of the skin and mucous membranes because of the possibility of systemic skin eruptions in sensitized patients after injections by surgeons or dentists. Turner (1977) wondered if such a useful agent used in cardiac arythmias should be used in topical preparations for minor conditions such as sunburn. Fisher (1980) concluded that pramoxine hydrochloride (Tronothane®) is used only for surface anesthesia and not by injection. Therefore sensitization to this anesthetic should not entail any risk of systemic reactions. Pramocaine is not a simple PABA ester as benzocaine nor an anesthetic of the amide type as lidocaine, as can be seen from the structural formula: