Neomycin allergy.

What is neomycin?

Neomycin is an antibacterial agent. Neomycin is prone to causing allergic contact. dermatitis and contact was declared Allergens of the year for 2010 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS).

Where is neomycin found?

Neomycin is widely used in current creams, ointments, lotions, eye preparations and ear drops. It is also commonly found in preparations combined with other topical antibacterials and corticosteroids. These prescription and non-prescription preparations are used to treat a variety of disorders of the skin, eyes, and external ear that have become infected and inflamed. Neomycin tablets taken by mouth can be used to suppress the gastrointestinal tract. bacteria before surgery to avoid infection. It has also been used in the past as a preservative in some vaccines and may still be present in small amounts. Listed below are some of the sources of neomycin in New Zealand in 2018.

Neomycin-containing antibiotics.

• Topical creams, ointments, lotions.
  • Viaderm KC®, Pimafucort®
• Eye preparations
  • Maxitrol®
• Ear drops
  • Kenacomb®

Other possible sources of exposure.

• Rarely deodorants, soaps and cosmetics.
• Dental root canal work
• Pet foods
• Veterinary Products

What are the reactions to neomycin? allergy?

In neomycin allergic individuals, contact with neomycin of topical preparations produces classic reactions of allergic contact dermatitis. Prolonged or repeated use can cause inflammation, crying eruption in the affected area It is believed that people suffering from atopic Dermatitis may be more sensitive to neomycin. Atopic dermatitis is often treated with topical combination preparations of neomycin and corticosteroids, and it is only when the original condition is suspected of not improving or worsening. Sometimes the appearance of overlapping neomycin allergy can be modified by the corticosteroid component of the combined preparation used to treat atopic dermatitis, making diagnosis difficult. In most cases, neomycin allergy needs to be confirmed by patch tests.

Neomycin taken by mouth or by injection can sometimes cause serious allergic reactions which can be fatal in individuals sensitive to neomycin.

Am I allergic to neomycin?

Neomycin allergy is diagnosed by performing patch tests, and in some cases intradermal Testing A 20% of neomycin in petrolatum is the recommended concentration used for the patch test. A positive reaction shows a delay indurated papule appearing after 48–72 hours. The patch test may not always be positive. If the test is negative, it can be considered an intradermal test. This involves injecting a small amount of neomycin (1: 1000) into dermis Skin A positive reaction is similar to a positive patch test, a papule that appears in 24 to 48 hours and persists for one or more weeks.

Neomycin allergy treatment.

Treatment of neomycin allergy requires prompt removal of the causative agent and then management as for any acute dermatitis/eczema; This may include the application of topical corticosteroids and / or emollients. In severe cases, oral steroids may be necessary.

Contact dermatitis superimposed on atopic dermatitis can generally be treated in the same way as contact dermatitis on non-atopic skin. In the acute phase, wet dressings may be necessary. Topical corticosteroids can be introduced. In some situations where allergic contact dermatitis is severe, short courses of oral corticosteroids can be used.

What should I do to avoid neomycin allergy?

Alert your doctor or dentist to the fact that you are allergic to neomycin.

Carefully read the labels on all products for potential sensitizers. On the counter Products that contain neomycin or other related substances that you may react to include first aid creams and ointments or antibiotics, eye and ear preparations. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist for suitable alternative products.

Neomycin allergy can make you sensitive to other related compounds. As a precaution, you should avoid using products that contain any of these substances.

Medical, dental and veterinary workers who are sensitive to neomycin should take special precautions when their job requires contact with neomycin or related compounds. Protective clothing, including gloves, masks, and goggles, should be worn.

your dermatologist You may have more specific advice, especially if you are highly sensitive to neomycin.

Alternative names for neomycin

• Neomycin sulfate

More information

CAS number: 1405-10-3

Cross reactions:

• Phramycetin
• Gentamicin
• Kanamycin
• Paromomycin
• Spectinomycin
• Streptomycin
• Tobramycin
• Co-reacts with bacitracin

Sensitizer neomycin

Patch test: 20% Neomycin in Vaseline