BACITRACIN

This patient information on Bacitracin is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy) to Bacitracin. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each exposure of Bacitracin to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized (allergic) your immune system always “remembers” and you will be Bacitracin sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this allergen.

Bacitracin is an antibiotic and is found in many over the counter antibiotic preparations.

Where is chemical found?

Topical antibiotic ointments
Ear antibiotic drops
Eye drops

Hints on avoiding chemical:

Notify your doctors of this allergy.
Choose products listed only on your personalized contact allergen database, which has been provided to you. Products listed on your contact allergen resource database will be free of Bacitracin and safe to use.
Please be aware that if your spouse or significant other uses topical skincare products that contain this chemical skin to skin transfer may occur to you.
It may take 2 to 3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement of your eruption begins.

Other names you may see this chemical listed as:

Agfivin
Altracin
Ayfivin
Baciguent
Bacitracin Zinc
Fortracin
Penitracin
Topitracin
Zutracin

Possible Occupational Exposures:

Nurses
Physicians
Mixing and blending machine operators