Aureomycin is one of the newer and more important antibiotics used at present. Gastrointestinal symptoms and genitocrural burning and itching are among its severer side effects. These genitocrural symptoms may occur with or without diarrhea. We have recently observed and are reporting 13 cases of genitocrural pruritus from the oral administration of aureomycin. Erythema, edema, scratch marks and, in one case, secondary infection were noticed in the involved areas.
In treating these persons gratifying results were obtained from the use of an antihistamine ointment. Our experience was limited to the use of one particular ointment, but possibly the application of similar antihistamine ointments would give as good results. Patients reported pronounced relief and comfort within 24 to 36 hours after the local medication was first applied. One patient experienced relief within a few hours. In no case did symptoms persist longer than two to three days.
CASE HISTORIES
Four of