Journal of cosmetic dermatology
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Letter Case Reports
Immediate vesicular eruption caused by topical 23% lidocaine 7% tetracaine ointment in a patient scheduled for laser therapy: a new adverse drug reaction.
Topical anesthetic agents have increased in number, formulations, and applications because of their efficacy and generally mild side effect profile. To date, there have been no reports of immediate vesicular eruption as a result of topical application of lidocaine or tetracaine. Two cases and a brief review of the literature are presented. ⋯ While topical anesthetic agents should generally be considered safe, they are not without risks. These cases illustrate a previously unreported adverse event. Clinicians should be vigilant for this and other adverse drug reactions to commonly used topical anesthetics like lidocaine and tetracaine.