To the Editor.—Dr. Hurwitz's informative article in the August issue of the Journal, "Scabies in Babies" (126:226, 1973), was recently brought to my attention because it recommended the use of gamma benzene hexachloride, which is the active ingredient in our company's line of Kwell products. Dr. Hurwitz correctly pointed out that the incidence of scabies is increasing and, while the diagnosis is often overlooked, the infestation responds well to topical medication.
Unfortunately, a typographical error in the paper resulted in a recommendation for treatment with too high a concentration of gamma benzene hexachloride. It is important to correct this misinformation because the use of a preparation containing 10% gamma benzene hexachloride may result in toxicity. The maximum concentration permitted by the Food and Drug Administration is the 1% incorporated in Kwell shampoo, lotion, and cream.
With safety in mind, reference was made to an epidemic of acquired porphyria cutanea