Lessen the pain from anesthetic injections for your pediatric patients.
To lessen the pain of anesthetic injections for wound repair in children, premedicate with a cotton swab or applicator soaked in 1% or 2% lidocaine. I often have the parent "help" by holding the applicator in the wound for several minutes, during which time I am able to update the chart and establish rapport with the family. This technique calms the child and lessens-in some cases, eliminates-the pain of the needle.
- Karl J. Gebhard, MD, MS
Ladera Ranch, Calif