Review of the current antibiotic guidelines used in dermatologic surgery

Dermatol Ther. 2022 Jul;35(7):e15557. doi: 10.1111/dth.15557. Epub 2022 May 18.

Abstract

Antibiotics have been used as a prophylaxis for dermatologic procedures. We will review the various procedures that specific antibiotics with dosages are used for, depending on the procedure, diagnosis, and circumstance of the patient. We will examine the current and updated guidelines used in dermatologic surgery and the overlapping guidelines across other fields. Physicians must consider the side effects of antibiotics and the resistance that may occur as a result before using the class or level of prophylaxis. Initial evaluation for alcohol, chlorhexidine, or iodine should be measured as well. Updated guidelines aim to address the contraindications of antibiotics, yet further research is needed to avoid antibiotic resistance and to explore alternative methods of antibiotic application, such as intranasal and intravenous.

Keywords: IV antibiotics; Mohs surgery; antibiotics; dermatologic surgery; infective endocarditis; intranasal antibiotics; prophylaxis antibiotic guidelines; prosthetic joints; topical antibiotics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / adverse effects
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis* / adverse effects
  • Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Surgical Wound Infection / drug therapy
  • Surgical Wound Infection / etiology
  • Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents