Do we need topical antibiotics for simple excision or the dressing after a skin wound?

Abstract

We often use topical antibiotics for simple excisions or the skin after minor wounds. This is a long-standing practice to minimize scarring by preventing wound or surgical site infection to promote wound healing. Is this old practice the right way for today? Is there a scientific basis for it and can it persist? These questions are related to the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Korea. Currently, the guidelines for the use of oral antibiotics have been established and are being applied relatively well-controlled to prevent overuse and misuse, while discussions for evaluating the adequacy of the prophylactic use of topical antibiotics or establishing correct guidelines are lacking. Based on related research data, American Academy of Dermatology has been continuously campaigning against the abuse of prophylactic antibiotics by the public and doctors, following the increase in the abuse of topical antibiotics since 2013. Therefore, we discuss the necessity of using topical antibiotics for the prophylaxis based on literature evidence. Now is the time to make efforts to prevent the increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria through the correct use and by reducing the prescription of topical antibiotics in Korea.