To the Editor.—
Recent articles evaluating the efficacy of topically and systemically administered griseofulvin have generated interesting data, but confusing interpretations. They have demonstrated that, although topically administered griseofulvin produces stratum corneum drug levels that are two orders of magnitude greater than those produced by the oral route, the clinical response of fungal infections is seen only with systemic use of the drug. This apparent paradox, as well as results of the puzzling prophylactic studies with griseofulvin, can be explained by postulating two additional, little known, but well-verified properties of griseofulvin: first, the "cidal" effects of high doses and second, the antiinflammatory property of griseofulvin. After discussing experiments that demonstrated these two properties, we will review Epstein et al's most recent paper to explain the apparent paradoxes.1Ever since Brian, Curtis, and Hemming isolated the "curling factor" from Penicillum janczweskii, numerous studies have been conducted to elucidate the