We describe two patients who developed anaphylaxis type reactions following the application of the topical antibiotic Polyfax (polymixin B and bacitracin). We draw attention to this potentially serious complication of topical antibiotic preparations and emphasize the need for careful history taking before prescribing such preparations.

Eight commercial topical anaesthetic preparations were tested for their ability to inhibit microbial growth in vitro by incubating serial dilutions with each of 4 micro-organisms. In addition corneas of mice were infected with Staphylococcus aureus, and the effect of the anaesthetics on isolation rates of bacteria was investigated. The preparations were shown to have a wide range of antimicrobi...

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral diseases worldwide. Although the exact etiology of RAS remains unknown, a variety of topical and systemic preparations may be used for palliation or prevention. In most patients with RAS, topical agents, including over-the-counter preparations such as amlexanox, prescribed corticosteroids, or antimicrobial agents, are sufficient...

     The topical delivery of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen has been explored as a potential method of avoiding the first pass effects and the gastric irritation, which may occur when used orally. Ibuprofen is formulated into many topical preparations to reduce the adverse effects and simultaneously avoid the hepatic first-pass metabolism as well. However, it i...

     The topical delivery of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen has been explored as a potential method of avoiding the first pass effects and the gastric irritation, which may occur when used orally. Ibuprofen is formulated into many topical preparations to reduce the adverse effects and simultaneously avoid the hepatic first-pass metabolism as well. However, it i...

Comfrey has a centuries-old tradition as a medicinal plant. Today, multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of comfrey preparations for the topical treatment of pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints in degenerative arthritis, acute myalgia in the back, sprains, contusions and strains after sports injuries and accidents, also in children age...

The clinical problem Atopic eczema affects many adults and up to 20% of children,1 with health costs comparable to diabetes2 and asthma.3 One community survey of 1760 young children in the United Kingdom found that 84% had mild eczema, 14% moderate, and 2% severe eczema.4 Topical corticosteroids are a mainstay of treatment for inflammatory episodes.5 Most long established topical corticosteroid...

A prior study in mice has shown that the timely application of topical antibiotics to the skin at the tick bite site could eradicate Borrelia burgdorferi infection. That study, however, did not evaluate antibiotic preparations that are considered suitable for use in humans. In this murine study, topical application of 2% erythromycin and 3% tetracycline preparations that are acceptable for use ...

BACKGROUND Topical anesthetics are commonly applied for a variety of indications. Several lidocaine-containing topical anesthetics are available for purchase over the counter (OTC). Recently, the authors' group has shown that there is great interindividual discrepancy in the manner in which lidocaine is absorbed and metabolized for even a single OTC product. OBJECTIVES The authors compare fiv...