Topical Antibiotics
Committee on Drugs,
Sydney Segal M.D.,
Sanford N. Cohen M.D.,
John Freeman M.D.,
Benjamin M. Kagan M.D.,
Ralph E. Kauffman M.D.,
Albert W. Pruitt M.D., and
Lester F. Soyka M.D.
1. In most instances, gentle, thorough cleansing of minor wounds and burns, and protection of the area until healing occurs is sufficient treatnient. The literature available at the time this statement was prepared indicates that topical antibiotics may prevent infection after minor cuts, abrasions, and burns. Thus, their use in such conditions may be appropriate as an adjunct to cleansing.
2. Systemic antibiotics rather than topical antibiotics are recommended for the treatment of chronic pyodermas, such as impetigo.
3. Allergic reactions to topical antibiotics, including neomycin, are uncommon. However, when a patient is known to be sensitive to neomycin, the systemic use of any of the aminoglycoside antibiotics should be avoided if possible.
4. Topical aminoglycosides should not be used on large denuded skin surfaces (such as those that result from burns) because of possible absorption and systemic toxicity and because, when used topically, these agents encourage the growth of resistant organisms.
