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 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).