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Published on: August 30, 2018

Survey of antibiotic prescription use for inflamed epidermal inclusion cysts

Tasneem Poonawalla1, Tatsuo Uchida, Dayna G Diven

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0783, USA.

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|January 24, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Physicians often prescribe antibiotics for inflamed epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs), despite differing diagnostic terms. This practice raises concerns about antibiotic resistance and healthcare costs.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • General Practice
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Symptomatic epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs) are often termed inflamed or infected, with unclear inflammatory mechanisms.
  • Antibiotic overuse for EICs is a concern due to cost and promoting bacterial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare diagnostic and treatment approaches for EICs between primary care physicians and dermatologists.
  • To estimate the frequency and financial impact of antibiotic prescriptions for EICs.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was conducted among 125 primary care physicians and 52 dermatologists.
  • Participants were presented with a standardized case study and a photograph of an EIC.

Main Results:

  • Primary care physicians frequently used "infected" (67%), while dermatologists preferred "inflamed" or "ruptured" (69%).
  • A high percentage of both groups prescribed antibiotics: 84% of primary care physicians and 94% of dermatologists.

Conclusions:

  • Despite diagnostic terminology differences, most physicians prescribe antibiotics for inflamed EICs.
  • The study highlights a common reliance on antibiotics for EICs across different medical specialties.

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