CUTANEOUS REACTIONS TO ANTIBIOTICS.

Abstract

A KNOWLEDGE of the cutaneous reactions that may occur as a result of the topical or systemic use of certain antibiotics is essential to the physician because (1) it serves as an aid in the proper selection and administration of these agents, and (2) it enables the physician to recognize quickly many situations in which a particular antibiotic should be discontinued or given only cautiously. Reactions from Topical Use It has long been known that penicillin and streptomycin should not be used topically because of their high potential for producing sensitization. Aside from the disagreeable contact dermatitis that may be produced, there is a distinct possibility that sensitization of the patient may preclude later systemic use of these agents. Oddly enough, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, and oxytetracycline rarely sensitize when they are used topically. Neomycin, which has been called the Queen of the Antibiotics for topical use, may cause a very stubborn contact dermatitis. 1 However, this is relatively rare, and lasting forms of exfoliative dermatitis have not been produced. Chloramphenicol rarely produces contact dermatitis. The topical use of antibiotics in therapeutic and cosmetic preparations has been discussed recently. 2