RT Journal
A1 Jorizzo JL, Smith EB
T1 TReatment of chronic herpes infection with 5% idoxuridine
JF Archives of Dermatology
JO Archives of Dermatology
YR 1981
FD May 1
VO 117
IS 5
SP 249
OP 249
DO 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650050003001
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archderm.1981.01650050003001
AB To the Editor.— 
    We have read with interest the excellent contribution on chronic herpes simplex infection in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas by Vonderheid et al in the September Archives (1980;116:1018-1022). The extremely serious nature of herpes simplex virus cutaneous infection in these immunosuppressed patients should certainly be emphasized.We wish to relate anecdotal therapeutic experience with two similar patients. Vonderheid et al used 0.5% idoxuridine in the treatment of three of five patients. Later, as the process extended, parenteral therapy was used in the treatment of two of five patients. In two studies that have generated much debate, 5% idoxuridine in dimethyl sulfoxide was used to treat simple recurrent herpes simplex infections.1,2 That treatment is probably not a cost-effective treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infections, and the use of dimethyl sulfoxide is restricted. However, in cases such as those described by Vonderheid et al, early sterilization of herpes simplex ulcers