The efficacy of local anesthetics in blocking the sensations of itch, burning, and pain in normal and “sunburned” skin

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Abstract
Satisfactory methods to determine the efficacy of topical anesthetics in relieving cutaneous itch, pricking, burning, and pain in unbroken skin have not been available. A technique with the use of an alternating current of low amperage and voltage that selectively induces these sensations without apparent in;ury to the skin is described. The efficacy of local anesthetics in obtunding itching and pricking induced experimentally and by exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light was evaluated. Studies in 150 volunteers indicate that salts of local anesthetics are ineffective in obtunding itching and burning in intact normal or ultraviolet burned skin; bases in concentrated solutions are effective.

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