To the Editor.— It is amazing to me that two investigators can look for the answer to the same question and come up with two diametrically opposed interpretations of the results. This is possible if the criteria of their investigations are different. I believe this is the case in comparing my published study on the effectiveness of topical steroid antibiotic combinations ( South Med J 62:94, 1969) with a recent paper on the subject in theArchives(108:237,1973) by Marples et al. The experimental models of their study would seem more appropriate in a study of clinical impetigo and cutaneous candidiasis than in a study of the treatment of dermatitis. This point is best illustrated by the studies with nystatin. We all know nystatin suppresses the growth of Candida albicans . No one doubts that if Candida inoculation is added to a culture media (in this case a serous exudate from

Topical steroid antibiotic combinations show promise in treating dermatitis, but their effectiveness in treating clinical impetigo and cutaneous candidiasis may be limited by the experimental models used.

Topical Steroid Antibiotic Combinations

Key Takeaway: Topical steroid antibiotic combinations show promise in treating dermatitis, but their effectiveness in treating clinical impetigo and cutaneous candidiasis may be limited by the experimental models used.