Antibiotic Selection and Dosage in Dermatology: A Primer

Atreyo Chakraborty*

Antibiotics remain a cornerstone in dermatological practice, particularly in conditions associated with barrier disruption, secondary bacterial infections, and systemic sepsis. Dermatological emergencies such as pemphigus vulgaris, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythroderma, and infected ulcers often require prompt empirical antimicrobial therapy before culture and sensitivity reports become available. This review provides a concise and clinically oriented overview of commonly used antibiotics in dermatology, emphasizing their mechanisms of action, antimicrobial spectrum, dosage regimens, adverse effects, and renal dose modifications. Major antibiotic classes discussed include penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, macrolides, glycopeptides, and other reserve antimicrobials used in multidrug-resistant infections. Emerging concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant organisms, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and pan-resistant Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species are highlighted. The review also outlines practical antibiotic selection strategies for dermatological emergencies and severe cutaneous infections. Judicious antibiotic use guided by local antibiograms, culture sensitivity reports, and infectious disease consultation is strongly recommended to combat the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance.

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Published on: May 26, 2026 Pages: 1-6

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/ojb.000031
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