Minocycline hydrochloride treatment for atypical acid-fast infection

Atypical acid-fast infections are not infrequent in the Gulf Coastal region. The development of erythematous papules within three or four weeks after aquatic exposure deserves such consideration. Deeper tissues may also become involved. This should signal a caution when considering the use of corticosteroid injections in such a suspicious lesion. Inasmuch as hypertrophic scar formation at a site of trauma must be considered in the differential diagnosis, it is important to secure histopathologic examination prior to treatment. While a surgical approach has been required for the most part, oral administration of minocycline hydrochloride has brought about healing in the patients reported herein. This article deals with only three cases. However, response was complete and without recurrence in each. Such therapy is recommended prior to the use of more drastic procedures.