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Topical antibiotics in dermatology.

J V Hirschmann1

  • 1Seattle Veterans Administration Center, Medical Service, WA 98108.

Archives of Dermatology
|November 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Topical antibiotics are safe for treating acne, rosacea, and Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage. While useful for limited impetigo, their broad efficacy in other skin infections and effectiveness in infected eczema remain unclear, with potential for resistance.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Topical antibiotics are frequently prescribed for various skin conditions.
  • Understanding their precise efficacy and limitations is crucial for appropriate clinical use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of topical antibiotics in specific dermatological and infectious conditions.
  • To clarify the role of topical antibiotics in treating pyodermas, infected eczema, and preventing catheter-related infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on topical antibiotic use in dermatology and infectious disease.
  • Analysis of clinical evidence regarding efficacy in conditions like acne, rosacea, impetigo, and eczema.
  • Assessment of data on Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage and catheter-associated infections.

Main Results:

  • Topical antibiotics demonstrate clear efficacy in acne, rosacea, and nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Their use in impetigo is limited to cases of small extent.
  • Efficacy in other pyodermas is uncertain, though mupirocin shows probable effectiveness. They offer minimal benefit in "infected eczema" not requiring systemic treatment and are ineffective in preventing catheter infections.
  • While generally safe, widespread use can foster bacterial resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Topical antibiotics are valuable for specific indications including acne, rosacea, and S. aureus nasal carriage.
  • Judicious use is recommended to preserve antibiotic effectiveness and prevent resistance.
  • Further research is needed to define their role in broader pyoderma management.

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