Topical Anesthetics for Procedural Pain in Children: What Does the Future Hold?

Minor procedures are a major source of pain and anxiety for children. Topical anesthetics are one component of a systematic approach to procedural pain in children. Topical anesthetics are underutilized due to inconvenience, slow onset, cost and inconsistent efficacy. New topical anesthetic systems are available or under investigation which may reduce the barriers to topical anesthetic use. These include systems which utilize technologies such as iontophoresis, ultrasound, lasers, heat and pressurized delivery. Hopefully, the advent of new topical anesthetic systems will contribute to a comprehensive effort to decrease procedural pain in children.