How long before a procedure should EMLA be applied for effective analgesia?

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Multiple Choice

How long before a procedure should EMLA be applied for effective analgesia?

Explanation:
EMLA cream works by blocking nerve signals in the skin, but it must diffuse through the epidermis to reach the nerve endings. With proper occlusion on intact skin, about 60 minutes is needed to achieve effective dermal anesthesia for a superficial procedure. Shorter times don’t allow sufficient diffusion, while 2 hours isn’t typically necessary for these cases. Waiting around one hour before the procedure provides reliable analgesia.

EMLA cream works by blocking nerve signals in the skin, but it must diffuse through the epidermis to reach the nerve endings. With proper occlusion on intact skin, about 60 minutes is needed to achieve effective dermal anesthesia for a superficial procedure. Shorter times don’t allow sufficient diffusion, while 2 hours isn’t typically necessary for these cases. Waiting around one hour before the procedure provides reliable analgesia.

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