Systemic contact dermatitis following oral neomycin therapy

Abstract

Systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) describes a hypersensitivity skin reaction following systemic re-exposure of an allergen in previously sensitized patients. Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that, when taken orally, suppresses intestinal bacteria and is used in preoperative bowel surgery to reduce the risk of infection. While oral neomycin has been commonly associated with adverse reactions like nausea, vomiting, and Clostridium difficile–associated colitis, the poor intestinal absorption of oral neomycin makes systemic contact dermatitis an unusual adverse reaction. Herein we present a rare case of systemic contact dermatitis following oral neomycin administration.

Keywords:

• Dermatitis
• neomycin
• pruritic rash
• systemic contact dermatitis