title: Topical mechlorethamine in the treatment of mycosis fungoides. Uniformity of application and potential for environmental contamination.
abstract: Topical mechlorethamine hydrochloride is commonly used in the treatment of mycosis fungoides and has been formulated in both aqueous and ointment vehicles. Two concerns regarding the topical application of mechlorethamine hydrochloride relate to the adequacy of skin coverage that can be attained by the patient and the extent to which others in the patient's household might be exposed to the drug. In this study six patients applied either aqueous or ointment vehicles containing a fluorescent dye. Subsequent examination of the skin under a Wood's lamp revealed a significant percentage of body surface area to be missed during application; several areas were noted to be missed most commonly. These observations have led to specific alterations in instructions given to patients regarding drug application. Examination of the surrounding environment showed minimal evidence of contamination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Breneman
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Nartker
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Ballman
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pruemer
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Blumsack
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Breneman
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm; D001415:Back; D001830:Body Surface Area; D003020:Clothing; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D005528:Foot; D006225:Hand; D006794:Household Articles; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008466:Mechlorethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009824:Ointments; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012996:Solutions
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D009824:Ointments; D012996:Solutions; D008466:Mechlorethamine