Cutaneous Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections Following Cosmetic Procedures: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Microbiology

Background:

• Reports of skin infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) following cosmetic procedures are increasing.
• Diagnosing and treating these NTM infections presents a significant challenge for clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the clinical characteristics, microbiology, histopathology, and treatment strategies for NTM infections post-cosmetic procedures.
• To enhance clinician awareness for earlier detection and prompt treatment of cosmetology-related cutaneous NTM infections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of cosmetology-related cutaneous NTM infections diagnosed via culture or molecular identification.
• Data collected included demographic, clinical, microbiological, pathological biopsy, management, and outcome information.
• Study conducted at a tertiary dermatology hospital in China.

Main Results:

• 28 patients were enrolled; 24 had positive NTM cultures, predominantly rapid-growing mycobacteria, mainly Mycobacterium abscessus complex (75%).
• Mean incubation period was 3 weeks, with diagnosis delayed by a mean of 9.8 weeks.
• Treatment often requires long-term, multi-drug therapy; surgical intervention may shorten the disease duration.

Conclusions:

• Cosmetology-related NTM skin infections are often underrecognized, leading to delayed treatment.
• Empirical therapy (clarithromycin, moxifloxacin) may be considered, but susceptibility testing is vital.
• Surgical intervention and tigecycline (for resistant cases) are potential treatment options.