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To the Editor:—
Dr. Leon Goldman described an ulcerating process resulting from the use of gentian violet in a case of impetigo contagiosa (Ulcerative Reaction from Gentian Violet in the Treatment of Impetigo Contagiosa, Arch. Dermat. & Syph.42:1122 [Dec.] 1940). Dr. Henry D. Niles, supplementing these observations (Ulcerative Reaction to Medication for Impetigo, ibid. 43:160 [Jan.] 1941), reported the same reaction following the use of a 3 per cent solution of cupric sulfate. He interpreted the phenomenon as being caused by either a dermonecrotic strain of bacteria or a damming-up of the exudate due to the thick adherent scale produced by the medication.Another interpretation may be suggested, especially on a clinical basis, by the following observations.Recently I observed a case similar to the one Dr. Goldman described. One of the interns at the clinic treated a child whose eruption had been diagnosed as "ordinary impetigo"