title: Topical antibiotics in dermatology.
abstract: Topical antibiotics are safe and effective in certain conditions, primarily acne, rosacea, and nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. They are useful in impetigo only when it is of limited extent. Their efficacy in other pyodermas is unclear, although mupirocin is probably effective in many cases. In "infected eczema" that does not require systemic therapy they seem to add little to what topical corticosteroids alone achieve. They are ineffective in reducing the incidence of significant infection with indwelling intravenous catheters. They are safe preparations, but extensive use, especially in closed populations, may encourage the emergence of resistant bacteria.
authors.affiliation: Seattle Veterans Administration Center, Medical Service, WA 98108.
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Hirschmann
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004485:Eczema / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007169:Impetigo / Q000188:drug therapy; D011711:Pyoderma / Q000188:drug therapy; D012393:Rosacea / Q000188:drug therapy; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012915:Soaps; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012915:Soaps