Infections, Introduction

INFECTIONS

Infections, Introduction

Mar
2000
Vol. 19. No. 1
Richard Allen Johnson, MD

SEVERAL DECADES AGO, infections diseases appeared to be conquered. An aggressive global vaccination program had eradicated smallpox, and measles was slated for global eradication. However, many new pathogens have become prominent during the past few decades, and now and in the future dermatologists will need to update continually their knowledge of cutaneous infections as the host, the pathogens, and antimicrobial therapies evolve.

A major shift in the practice of dermatology has been toward a variety of surgical procedures. Although antibiotics may be indicated for some patients undergoing dermatologic procedures, recommendations to date have not specifically addressed patients undergoing dermatologic surgery. In this issue, Dr Hirschmann reviews the literature and indications for antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic practice.

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