Antimicrobial therapy and resistance in dermatologic pathogens of the elderly

This article reviews the pharmacokinetics and use of antimicrobials for dermatologic infections in the elderly. Important drug-drug interactions complicate therapeutic decisions, and social issues are prevalent in geriatric patients. Specific antibiotics more commonly used for dermatologic infections provide examples of how treatment must be tailored to the individual patient based on physiologic and socioeconomic conditions. The final challenge of antimicrobial resistance requires judicious use of these agents, especially in elderly patients residing in long-term care or other institutional settings.