Sulphathiazole Ointment in the Treatment of Impetigo

Abstract

Although Streptococcus pyogenes is more constantly found associated with impetigo than any other organism, R. Cruickshank (Lancet, 1941 2: 275) found Staphylococcus aureus in 18 of 23 impetigo cases. Steigman examined 25 cases and found hemolytic streptococci (pure culture) in 12 cases, Staph. aureus (pure culture) in 8 cases, and both organisms in 5 cases. Since sulfathiazole is especially effective against Staph. aureus, Steigman used it in local treatment of 51 hospitalized children suffering from impetigo in addition to one or another of the common infectious diseases. An ointment was prepared by incorporating 5% by wt. of powdered sulfathiazole in a base of paraff. molle. flav. For comparison with a standard prepn. 3 times daily half of the child''s body was treated with ung. hydrarg. amn. dil. and the other half with the sulfathiazole ointment after the scabs had first been removed by warm water and soap. Impetigo treated with 5% sulfathiazole ointment showed marked improvement in 48 hrs. and was healed in 4 or 5 da. Impetigo treated with ammoniated mercury required an av. of 8 days for healing. "Local therapy with sulfathiazole is considered to be, at present, the ideal treatment for impetigo.".