Utilization of Topical Anesthetics by Dermatologists in the United States

Topical anesthetics (TAs) are useful for minimizing the pain associated with many superficial medical procedures. To date, the use of TAs in dermatology and other specialties is not well characterized. To illustrate the current use of TAs by dermatologists and other outpatient physician offices, data was collected from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database from 2001 to 2005. Specific agents, diagnoses, procedures, patients’ ages, and physicians’ specialties were examined, with a particular focus on dermatologists. During 3.8 million office visits over the 5-year study interval, TAs were prescribed and/or used. Patients aged 40 to 59 years accounted for most (53%) of the visits where TAs were used. Dermatology, a specialty performing primarily superficial procedures, accounted for just 4% of TA use. The diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma had the highest per patient use of TAs by dermatologists. Even though TAs are infrequently used by dermatologists, likely due to their fast paced practices, there maybe a greater role for them in the future as more convenient agents are developed.