Anti-inflammatory effects of antimicrobial agents: an in vivo study.

Antimicrobials are used emperically in a variety of inflammatory dermatoses such as rosacea and dermatitis herpetiformis, although these diseases are not believed to be of bacterial etiology. We have used potassium iodide ointment to induce follicular pustules and have found in this in vivo model properties of antimicrobials not related to their antibacterial actions. Topical demethylchlortetracycline and erythromycin (5%) lead to suppression of KI-induced inflammation (erythema, pustules) and systemic use of these drugs as well as diaminodiphenylsulfone produces the same effect.