Solarcaine after laser peel? I am severely burned and in pain.

Question

Hi! I had a laser peel on my chest and am severely burned and in pain. The technician says she used a 20 micron setting with 50 overlap. I was given aquaphor to apply but hoping topical lidocaine may help with the pain. Can I apply Solarcaine lidocaine spray to the area to help with the pain? Will Solarcaine make it worse?

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.I would not recommend using Solarcaine, it will more than likely irritate the skin. My recommendation would be Aquaphor only and cold compresses.

Guy Cappuccino, MD · Answer

You didn't say how long ago you had the laser treatment so it's harder to tell how normal the pain is.  The good news is 20 microns with 50% overlap means at most you had a 40 micron deep treatment.  On the anterior neck and chest, 50 microns should be just through the epidermis and into superficial dermis, so while painful I would reassure you it is temporary and will heal fine.I typically recommend a topical silicone product like vaniply after laser procedures such as this.

Amy Miller, MD · Answer

I would avoid solarcaine--there is evidence that the anesthetic (lidocaine) in solarcaine can inhibit platelet function and you need those platelets to heal the area.  Having said that I don't know of any studies that demonstrate this in real life--the dose of lidocaine is small and may not have any affect at all.  You want to do everything to maximize healing so it just makes sense to avoid things that could possibly delay it.
 I would also avoid aquaphor as this can "hold in" the heat. I would stick with cool compresses, aloe and maybe oral pain medicine--prescription if necessary.  Contact your provider and let them know what is going on--there are soothing masques and compounded prescription creams that can be helpful as well---your provider may have one that he or she recommends.
I hope you feel better soon!  Best,
Dr. Amy

Solarcaine after laser peel? I am severely burned and in pain.

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