Question of the Week

Discussion:

Local anesthetics reversibly bind to voltage-gated sodium channels in free nerve endings and prevent  influx of sodium. This inhibits depolarization of the nerve cell and prevents propagation of impules along the nerve.

Suggested Reading:

1. Park KK; Sharon, VR. A Review of Local Anesthetics: Minimizing Risk and Side Effects in Cutaneous Surgery. Dermatol Surg. 43(2):173-187, February 2017.
2. Sobanko, JF; Miller, CJ; Alster, TS. Topical Anesthetics for Dermatologic Procedures. A Revew. A Review. Dermatol Surg. 38(5):709-721, May 2012.
3. Kouba DJ; LoPiccolo MC; Alam M; Bordeaux JS; Cohen B; Hanke CW; et al. Guidelines for the use of local anesthesia in office-based dermatologic surgery. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 Feb 27. pii:s0190-9662 (16) 00074-8. Published March 2016.