Prophylactic antibiotics in cutaneous surgery.

Antibiotics can reduce the incidence of wound infection in some cutaneous surgical cases. In clean, uncomplicated surgical wounds, antibiotics have no effect on the incidence of infection. There is a reduction in infection rate when prophylaxis is used in clean-contaminated and contaminated surgical wounds. To achieve the maximum effect, the drug should be present in the tissue at the time of wounding. The antibiotic should be given for 24 to 48 hours. Longer treatment provides no greater protection from infection. A cephalosporin or erythromycin by the oral route is usually satisfactory for outpatient cutaneous surgery.