Anaphylaxis following the use of bacitracin ointment. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A 52-year-old woman suffered an acute anaphylactic reaction to topically applied bacitracin. An investigation disclosed the presence of concurrent type I and IV hypersensitivity to bacitracin. We review five other cases of anaphylactic reactions to topical medications and describe the clinical characteristics common to all six cases.