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Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
ISSN: 1596-5996 EISSN: 1596-5996
Vol. 14, No. 5, 2015, pp. 919-924
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Bioline Code: pr15120
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 14, No. 5, 2015, pp. 919-924
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Topical Antibacterials and Global Challenges on Resistance Development
Amirthalingam, Sathish; Yi, Kok Shin; Ching, Lim Tze & Mun, Ng Yoke
Abstract
Purpose: The skin acts as the first line of defence against the invasion of microorganisms. Damage to
the skin such as abrasion, bruises and trauma will expose underlying tissue to bacterial infection. Minor
skin infections can be easily treated with topical antibacterial medication that is available over the
counter or by prescription. On the other hand, serious bacterial skin infections can be life-threatening
and may require complex interventions such as medical or surgical methods to cure the disease. The
treatments given have to be assessed according to the presentation, aetiology, chronicity of the wound
(depth and size) and/or skin lesions. For skin bacterial infection, topical route of administration is
preferred over systemic administration due to the delivery of a higher concentration of medication for the
former into the desired area. It is also less likely to cause systemic side effects, toxicity, and bacterial
resistance. There is ongoing controversy and debate regarding the likelihood of developing bacterial
resistance with the usage of topical antibiotics as an antibacterial. This could be due to inappropriate
antibiotic use resulting from self-medication, over the counter availability, prescribing on demand and a
lack of regulatory control.
Keywords
Topical antibacterial; Bacterial resistance; Self-medication; Inappropriate antibiotic use; Dispensing
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