From road rash to top allergen in a flash: bacitracin.

BACKGROUND: Bacitracin is an antibiotic that is produced by Bacillus subtilis, which is used in several types of consumer products, including cosmetics and ophthalmic and cutaneous ointments.

OBJECTIVE: To call attention to the rising allergic contact dermatitis associated with bacitracin.

RESULTS: Mass usage has resulted in an increasing number of clinically relevant allergic contact dermatitis reactions and near fatal anaphylaxis. The North American Contact Dermatitis Group has recorded its emergence as a leading allergen and continues to monitor the ever-growing allergic reaction rates.

CONCLUSION: The clinical impact, scientific evidence, and need for medical cost containment all advocate the discontinuation of routine usage of bacitracin in clean surgical wounds.