Generalized Exfoliative Dermatitis Due to Penicillin

THE increasing frequency of reactions to penicillin warrants wider recognition of the dangers of the local application of penicillin, and more reliance placed on less sensitizing methods of administration, such as the intramuscular, intravenous and intra-arterial routes.1 , 2 Although the direct toxic action of penicillin is negligible,3 aside from the irritating effect when the drug is applied to the central nervous system,4 the delayed or acquired sensitivity reactions may be severe or fatal. Wile5 noted that severe allergic reactions involving edema of the pharynx, larynx and lungs complicating penicillin therapy are serious and may result in fatal complications. Numerous other authors . . .