The effect of 50% glycolic acid on the percutaneous absorption of eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA): a study of the electrofulguration-induced pain.

Background: EMLA has a slow onset due to its limited percutaneous absorption into an intact skin, while Glycolic acid (GA) has been known to have the capability of disrupting the skin barrier function. To the best of our knowledge, the effect of 50% GA on the percutaneous absorption of EMLA has not been studied previously.

Methods: The study used a two-step randomized double blind controlled trial involving 20 healthy subjects each.