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A review of antibiotics in dermatology
Daniel A Carrasco1, Melody Vander Straten, Stephen K Tyring
1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA.
Background:
Since the early 1930s when antibiotics were first introduced, they have revolutionized the way physicians treat infections. Skin conditions from acne to leprosy, which were once shunned by society, are now easily treated with oral antibiotics.
Objective:
Antibiotics are chemicals derived from bacteria and fungi that uniquely have antibacterial action. The most notable example is penicillin, which is derived from a mold. With hundreds of antibiotics available to the practicing physician, improper use of these drugs has become widespread and expensive and has spawned resistant strains. For the dermatologist, antibiotics are vital weapons in the drug armamentarium for treating various skin conditions.
Conclusion:
This review explores the newest and most common oral, parenteral, and topical antibiotics used in dermatology, their indications, adverse effects, dosage, and spectrum of activity. Furthermore, systemic antibacterial prophylaxis and vaccines pertinent to dermatology are discussed. The penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, lincosamides, folate inhibitors, and a new synthetic class of drugs, the oxazolidinones, are reviewed. These antibiotics are used to treat a variety of organisms.
Insights
This review covers common and new antibiotics for skin conditions, detailing their uses, side effects, and effectiveness against various bacteria. It also discusses antibacterial prophylaxis and vaccines for dermatological use.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antibiotics, introduced in the 1930s, transformed infection treatment, making previously challenging skin conditions like acne and leprosy manageable.
- Antibiotics, derived from microorganisms, are crucial in dermatology for treating diverse skin ailments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging oral, parenteral, and topical antibiotics in dermatology.
- To detail indications, adverse effects, dosages, and spectrum of activity for various antibiotic classes.
- To discuss antibacterial prophylaxis and relevant vaccines in dermatological practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antibiotics used in dermatology.
- Analysis of antibiotic classes including penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, lincosamides, folate inhibitors, and oxazolidinones.
- Examination of antibiotic indications, adverse effects, dosage, and spectrum of activity.
Main Results:
- Comprehensive overview of antibiotic agents utilized in treating skin conditions.
- Detailed information on the clinical application and microbial targets of various antibiotic classes.
- Exploration of preventative strategies like antibacterial prophylaxis and vaccination in dermatology.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotics remain essential tools for dermatologists, with a wide array of agents available.
- Understanding the specific properties of each antibiotic is crucial for effective and safe treatment of skin infections.
- The review provides a valuable resource on antibiotic use, prophylaxis, and vaccines pertinent to dermatological practice.