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A primer on topical antibiotics for the skin and eyes

Scheinfeld Noah1

  • 1St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, Department of Dermatology, New York, NY 10029, USA. NSS32@columbia.edu

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD
|May 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

As antibiotic resistance grows, dermatologists need to know about topical antibiotics like retapamulin and triple antibiotic ointments for skin infections. This review covers these and other options, including ophthalmologic preparations and nadifloxacin.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Increasing pathogen resistance to standard therapies necessitates a thorough understanding of topical antibiotic options.
  • Mupirocin resistance is rising, highlighting the need for alternative treatments for impetigo and skin infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current and emerging topical antibiotic treatments for skin infections.
  • To inform dermatologists about ophthalmologic preparations and topical nadifloxacin for broader therapeutic use.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of topical antibiotics, combination therapies, and anti-inflammatory preparations.
  • Summary of agents including retapamulin, triple antibiotic ointments, and nadifloxacin.

Main Results:

  • Retapamulin and triple antibiotic ointments are expected to play larger roles due to mupirocin resistance.
  • Ophthalmologic topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory preparations offer additional treatment options for dermatologists.
  • Topical nadifloxacin, used in Japan for acne and skin infections, is also discussed.

Conclusions:

  • Dermatologists require comprehensive knowledge of diverse topical antibiotics to combat rising resistance.
  • Expanding the therapeutic armamentarium with ophthalmologic preparations and agents like nadifloxacin can improve patient outcomes.

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