Active — Not RecruitingPhase 4

Ice Versus EMLA for Pain in Laser Hair Removal

United States30 participantsStarted 2014-12-30

Plain-language 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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

. Subjects who are allergic to lidocaine or prilocaine.
. History of methemoglobinemia.
. History of recurrent petechial or purpuric lesions.
. Bleeding tendency or coagulopathy.
. History of laser treatment in axilla.
. History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain using the SF-MPQ immediately after treatment

Timeframe: immediately (at 0 min) after laser treatment

Pain using the SF-MPQ 5 minutes after treatment

Timeframe: 5 mins after laster treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02318654

SponsorNorthwestern University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12

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