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Ice Versus EMLA for Pain in Laser Hair Removal

Comparing the Efficacy of Ice Pack Versus Topical EMLA for Pain Control in Laser Axillary Hair Removal: A Randomized Control Trial

Status
Active, not recruiting
Phases
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02318654
Enrollment
30
Registered
2014-12-17
Start date
2014-12-30
Completion date
2025-12-31
Last updated
2025-01-31

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Hair Removal

Brief summary

The primary objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of ice pack to topical eutectic mixture of local anesthesia (EMLA) for pain control in diode 810 nm laser axillary hair removal. This study is a pilot study designed to determine feasibility of these procedures.

Interventions

Subjects will have 600 grams of ice in clear plastic bag size 18 x 23 cm applied to the randomized axilla for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the ice pack will be removed and laser hair treatment will be performed.

DRUGTopical EMLA cream

Topical EMLA will be applied approximately 2 mm thick to the randomized axilla with a wooden tongue depressor wrapped with impermeable plastic occlusion dressing for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, the drug will be removed with regular gauze and saline and laser hair treatment will be performed.

Sponsors

Northwestern University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

1. Subjects are Caucasian or Asian females. 2. Subjects are 18-65 years old. 3. Subjects have Fitzpatrick skin type I-III and coarse dark axillary hair. 4. Subjects are in good health. 5. Subjects can provide informed consent. 6. Subjects have the willingness and the ability to understand and communicate with the investigators.

Exclusion criteria

1. Subjects who are allergic to lidocaine or prilocaine. 2. History of methemoglobinemia. 3. History of recurrent petechial or purpuric lesions. 4. Bleeding tendency or coagulopathy. 5. History of laser treatment in axilla. 6. History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring. 7. Pregnant or lactating or intends to become pregnant in the next 3 months. 8. Active skin disease or skin infection in the treatment area. 9. Subjects with known mental illness or other psychological conditions, such as psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and cognitive disorders. 10. History of cold urticaria. 11. History of current injury or abnormal skin sensation. 12. Unable to understand the protocol or to give informed consent. 13. Any other condition that would, in the professional opinion of the investigator, potentially affect response or participation in the clinical clinical study, or would pose as an unacceptable risk to subject.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frame
Pain using the SF-MPQ immediately after treatmentimmediately (at 0 min) after laser treatment
Pain using the SF-MPQ 5 minutes after treatment5 mins after laster treatment

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026