Suspected reactions to gamma benzene hexachloride

To the Editor.—  The special communication by Orkin et al "Treatment of Today's Scabies and Pediculosis" (236:1136, 1976) emphasized the current epidemic of scabies in the United States. As mentioned, gamma benzene hexachloride (Kwell, Gamene) is a specific agent approved by the Food and Drug Administration for marketing for the eradication of scabies and head lice.The FDA Drug Bulletin (6:28,1976) alerted health professionals to the potential dangers associated with imprudent topical application of this insecticide. As noted in the article, CNS toxicity is a prominent feature of acute toxicity studies in animals. Although animal studies have shown convulsions to be associated with gamma benzene hexachloride and other chlorinated hydrocarbons absorbed by the skin, clinical information about adverse reactions in man is limited.Following the FDA Drug Bulletin alert, the Division of Drug Experience received the following additional reports of suspected central nervous system toxicity.