Background: Bacitracin is an antibiotic that is produced by Bacillus subtilis, which is used in several types of consumer products, including cosmetics and ophthalmic and cutaneous ointments.
Objective: To call attention to the rising allergic contact dermatitis associated with bacitracin.
Results: Mass usage has resulted in an increasing number of clinically relevant allergic contact dermatitis reactions and near fatal anaphylaxis. The North American Contact Dermatitis Group has recorded its emergence as a leading allergen and continues to monitor the ever-growing allergic reaction rates.
Conclusion: The clinical impact, scientific evidence, and need for medical cost containment all advocate the discontinuation of routine usage of bacitracin in clean surgical wounds.