Topical antibiotics in dermatology: An update

Volume 17, No.1, April 2010 The Gulf Journal of Dermatology and Venereology INTRODUCTION Topical antibiotics are commonly prescribed by dermatologists in clinical practice for a variety of potential uses, which are the following: (i) infectious, including localized cutaneous bacterial infections, (ii) crusted (secondarily impetiginized) eczematous dermatoses, (iii) staphylococcal nasal carriage, and (iv) for non-infectious dermatoses, such as acne vulgaris. Other clinical dermatologic uses include: (v) application postoperatively to surgical wound sites for prophylaxis against infection, and (vi) for chronic wounds such as leg ulcers, sometimes based on culture and sensitivity results.