Experts Warn of Misuse of Antibiotic Ointments Leading to Global Health Crisis
A latest report by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has delivered to mild the alarming misuse of antibiotic ointments, together with self-prescribed therapies and improper prescriptions. The misuse of those antibiotics poses a big danger of contributing to the emergence of harmful antimicrobial resistance, which may exacerbate the worldwide tragedy of antibiotic resistance.
According to the AIFA report, using antibiotics in Italy, notably within the remedy of pores and skin circumstances, quantities to greater than 278 million doses per 12 months. Of this staggering quantity, over 168 million doses are attributed to the antibiotic gentamicin, typically used along side cortisone.
In response to those regarding findings, a gaggle of knowledgeable dermatologists is ready to current the primary coverage doc on the correct use of antibiotics on the National Conference of the Italian Society of Medical, Surgical, Aesthetic Dermatology, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (SIDeMaST).
Among the specialists concerned in crafting this coverage doc are Giuseppe Micali, director of the Dermatology Clinic on the University of Catania, and Maria Rita Nasca, additionally affiliated with the University of Catania. Micali’s survey of 1500 specialists, together with dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic medical doctors, revealed that 7 out of 10 specialists commonly prescribe antibiotics, with solely 20% choosing therapies that promote dehydration and re-epithelialization.
Micali warns towards the frequent false impression that superficial infections could be prevented with native antibiotics. Instead, he emphasizes that present worldwide and nationwide pointers advocate using antiseptic lotions, gauzes, or plasters completely in each pre-operative and post-operative settings.
Maria Rita Nasca from the University of Catania underscores the significance of reserving antibiotic ointments for circumstances presenting clear indicators of native or systemic an infection, resembling fever or compromised immune programs. She stresses that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics can have profound penalties for particular person well being and world public well being efforts to fight antibiotic resistance.
The specialists’ name to motion serves as a stark reminder of the essential want for even handed prescribing practices and the accountable use of antibiotics to safeguard the effectiveness of those life-saving drugs for future generations.