Efficacy of low dose azithromycin in recurrent furunculosis

Aim To access the efficacy of low dose azithromycin in recurrent furunculosis. Methods This study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Dermatology, DHQ teaching Hospital, Sargodha Medical College Sargodha, from January 2019 to December 2019. Total 180 patients aged between 20 and 60 years of recurrent furunculosis were divided into two groups. Both groups washed body with chlorhexidine soap daily, applied 2% mupirocin on lesion and in nostrils twice daily and took oral 400mg -600mg tablet linezolid twice daily for 10-14 days. Group A was offered no added treatment but Group B was prescribed azithromycin 500mg once weekly for next 3 months. The drug is considered efficacious if the patient had no episode of furuncles during the 3‐month follow‐up period of the treatment. Results  In group A, 32 patients (36%) reported back with recurrent furunculosis in contrast with only 9 patients (10%) of group A reported with recurrent furunculosis. Conclusion It is concluded that low dose azithromycin is far better than patient receiving no treatment for recurrent furunculosis. So, we should consider low dose azithromycin as a promising alternative for treatment of recurrent furunculosis.