Skin Rashes Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Rashes, including details on dermatitis, itches, creams, medication, treatment.

Fusidic acid-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (FRSA) carriage in patients with atopic eczema and pattern of prior topical fusidic acid use.

Sule O, Brown NM, Willocks LJ, Day J, Shankar S, Palmer CR, Burrows NP

Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Health Protection Agency, Box 236, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QW, UK. jumoke.sule@addenbrookes.nhs.uk

We questioned 62 dermatology outpatients with atopic eczema and Staphylococcus aureus colonisation regarding their use of topical preparations containing fusidic acid during the previous 6 months as well as the pattern of any such use. Recent exposure to topical fusidic acid was significantly correlated with the presence of fusidic acid-resistant S. aureus (FRSA) (P=0.04). There was also a significant trend towards increasing FRSA carriage with increased duration of use. Short courses of 2 weeks or less did not appear to change the FRSA profile compared with non-exposure, and intermittent usage appeared to be the most detrimental, although subgroup sizes were small. Our study cautions against prolonged or intermittent use of fusidic acid-containing products in patients with eczema.

Published 11 June 2007 in Int J Antimicrob Agents, 30(1): 78-82.
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