Kerion treatment

We would like to mention an alternative method for the prevention of colonization of the umbilicus by staphylococcal organisms to the one proposed by Johnson et al. (Pediatrics 58:354, September 1976).

Several years ago, as a response to recommendations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to discontinue routine total bathing of newborns with hexachlorophene, we studied alternative methods for the care of newborn infants. Despite the use of plain or green soap for infant bathing and scrupulous attention to hand washing with hexachlorophene by nursery personnel, an increased incidence of staphylococcal colonization and infection was seen in our nursery.

UV protective effects of 5-fluorouracil and thymidine

We confirm the previously claimed protection by 5-fluorouracil against ultraviolet radiation on the skin. We conclude that such protection is the result of absorption of erythema producing light (wavelengths less than 320 nm). Previously reported absorption of 5-fluorouracil in the 260– to 280-nm range was determined at concentrations several thousandfold less than those tested by us and used clinically. Our absorption studies, carried out in the clinical concentration range, show that 5-fluorouracil absorbs light even into long wave ultraviolet (greater than 320 nm). Such absorption occurs to a lesser extent with thymidine and accounts for the greater clinical protection achieved with 5-fiuorouracil.