Eruptive furunculosis following the soak and smear regimen

BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Feb 18:2015:bcr2014207907. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-207907.

Abstract

The 'soak and smear' regimen is a highly effective method for localised topical therapy employed by dermatologists for widespread inflammatory skin conditions. The regimen involves application of topical medication under occlusion after soaking in water. Complications from this treatment method are rare. We present a case of multiple, generalised methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-positive furuncles arising in a patient as an unexpected consequence of therapy. The case highlights an unanticipated risk of a commonly employed treatment amid an epidemic of MRSA in the community.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chlorhexidine / therapeutic use
  • Clobetasol / administration & dosage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use
  • Eczema / drug therapy*
  • Furunculosis / complications*
  • Furunculosis / diagnosis
  • Furunculosis / drug therapy
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Mupirocin / therapeutic use
  • Rifampin / therapeutic use
  • Staphylococcal Infections / complications*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Water / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Water
  • Clobetasol
  • Mupirocin
  • Doxycycline
  • Chlorhexidine
  • Rifampin