A Clinical Review of Common Medications Used in Emergency Dermatological Situations

Medical emergencies can occur in any environment, including dermatologic and procedural surgical settings. There are many options available to dermatologic surgeons, which they should consider having easily accessible in the office in case an emergency arises.

To summarize the current understanding about major medications that should be on-hand during dermatological surgeries. To review their mechanism of action, examine their general use, and dermatological use during surgical emergencies.

A comprehensive review using PubMed was performed, searching for studies using these various medications in relation to cutaneous surgeries.

Distinct items such as hyaluronidase, nitroglycerin paste, aspirin, injectable epinephrine, and defibrillators are potential options to address various emergencies and should be readily accessible to dermatologic surgeons.

Dermatologic surgeons' knowledge of key medications and options to have in the office allow for a proper response in the event an emergency arises.