Efficacy of EMLA cream in reduction of the pain of intralesional Corticosteroid injection in Alopecia Areata

Background: EMLA cream is a eutectic mixture of Lidocaine and Prilocaine used to induce local anesthesia for dermatological procedures. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of EMLA cream in reducing the pain of intralesional injection of steroid in patients with alopecia areata. Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on 27 alopecia areata patients. The injections of corticosteroid were done in one of lesions after using EMLA cream (For 30, 45 or 60 minutes) and in other lesions without it in each patient. Results: 82% of patients experienced less pain in injections done after using EMLA cream. Conclusion: EMLA cream can reduce the pain of intralesional injections of corticosteroid in patches of alopecia areata.