What is the relationship between Neutrophilic dermatosis and Penicillin (antibiotic)?

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Last updated: April 28, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Neutrophilic dermatoses are not typically caused by penicillin, but penicillin can be used with caution in patients with these conditions, as supported by the most recent study 1. Neutrophilic dermatoses, including Sweet's syndrome, pyoderma gangrenosum, and neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis, are inflammatory skin disorders characterized by neutrophil infiltration without infection. While penicillin is not a first-line treatment for these conditions, it may be necessary if a patient with neutrophilic dermatosis develops a bacterial infection requiring antibiotic therapy. Some key points to consider when treating neutrophilic dermatoses include:

  • The use of systemic corticosteroids as the therapeutic gold standard for Sweet's syndrome, as noted in 2 and 3.
  • The potential for other medications, such as potassium iodide and colchicine, to be effective in treating Sweet's syndrome, as mentioned in 2 and 4.
  • The importance of careful monitoring for any worsening of skin lesions or new eruptions when initiating penicillin therapy, as patients with neutrophilic dermatoses may have underlying conditions that could be triggered or worsened by medications, including antibiotics like penicillin.
  • The primary treatments for neutrophilic dermatoses typically include corticosteroids, dapsone, colchicine, or immunosuppressive agents, depending on the specific condition and its severity, as discussed in 5 and 4. It's also worth noting that the pathogenesis of neutrophilic dermatoses is complex and multifactorial, involving abnormal neutrophil function and inflammasome activation, as highlighted in 1. Overall, the management of neutrophilic dermatoses requires a comprehensive approach, taking into account the underlying pathophysiology and the potential risks and benefits of different treatment options, as emphasized in 5 and 1.

References

Research

Neutrophilic Dermatoses: a Clinical Update.

Current dermatology reports, 2022

Research

Sweet's syndrome: a review of current treatment options.

American journal of clinical dermatology, 2002

Research

Neutrophilic dermatoses: a review of current treatment options.

American journal of clinical dermatology, 2009

Research

Drug management of neutrophilic dermatoses.

Expert review of clinical pharmacology, 2017

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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