Mupirocin–Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Mupirocin, an antibiotic, is frequently used to treat special traumatic infected skin lesions, such as impetigo, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), burn, scratch after operation, etc. Topical use of mupirocin can lead to some adverse drug reactions (ADR).

To report a case of mupirocin-induced contact dermatitis and a review of the literature to identify the causative factors and clinical characteristics.

We report a case of contact dermatitis in a 39-year-old woman which happened 2 days after mupirocin ointment application on her hand. Also, a review of the literature was done according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. Time or language filters were not used and all related reports were included.

In the mentioned case, mupirocin has a causative role in dermatitis. The review showed 10 cases of mupirocin-induced allergy. The clinical presentations included serum sickness, diffuse urticaria, fever, arthralgias, toxic epidermal necrolysis, pruritus, rash, breathlessness, palpitations, flushing, redness all over the body, low blood pressure, severe allergic contact dermatitis, pruritic papular eruption, extensive contact dermatitis, allergic contact hypersensitivities. All cases were improved after anti-allergic treatments except one who had been tracheostomy and was in serious condition.

this is the first review of mupirocin-induced allergy. Although these incidences are rare, clinicians should be aware to prevent severe reactions with serious consequences.