Figure Legend: Allergic contact dermatitis.  Sensitivity to topical agents may develop after an initial exposure of 7 to 14 days, or earlier in patients who had been previously sensitized.  Left: dermatitis developing from bacitracin used to treat a superficial burn.  As is frequently the case in application of topical antibiotics to treat or prevent infection, the allergic reaction was confused with infection, prompting further use of the offending agent.  Right: Mastisol was used to improve the attachment of surgical skin closure tape.  Appearance seven days after surgery.  Symptoms from severe reactions are best controlled with short course high dose systemic steroids.
 

e-Hand

Go Back

Search

Textbook