A Comparison of the Antimicrobial Property of Lidocaine/Prilocaine Cream (EMLA®) and an Alcohol-Based Disinfectant on Intact Human Skin Flora

BACKGROUND: The application of EMLA (R) cream is indicated for topical anesthesia of the skin in connection with IV cannulation. Recently, we described that EMLA cream has an antibacterial effect in vitro. METHODS: The impact of the local anesthetic lidocaine/prilocaine cream (EMLA) on intact human skin flora was compared to that of an alcohol-based skin disinfectant (Skinsept Pur (R)). Samples were taken from 0 to 12 h after treatment. RESULTS: The number of colony forming units (cfu) on the skin decreased significantly after both EMLA and Skinsept Pur treatment from 44.9 +/- 1.3 (42.4 +/- 7.0) to 0.9 +/- 0.17 (1.61 +/- 0.47) cfu/cm(2), respectively (mean +/- SEM), at the first sampling time (1 h) and remained significantly below 0 h values for the study period. The cfu count was significantly lower with EMLA cream at 4, 6, and 12 h compared to Skinsept Pur. CONCLUSION: EMLA cream has a longer bacteriostatic effect after early bactericidal impact compared to skin disinfection with Skinsept Pur.