To:  Jan Aken:
Re:  Silvadene


        Silvadene is a product that releases silver atoms,  and sulfadiazine
into the lesion.  Whereas is it very bacteriocidal, and wonderful for burns,
I do not think it is preferable for lesions on the nipple.  If it were
washed off prior to feeding,  it would probably be fine.  However,
absorption of sulfonamides in the neonatal period can cause
jaundice(kernicterus) is newborn infants,  and sulfa allergies in infants.
We don't need these.

        I would suggest other topicals antibacterials such as Bactroban,  or
Polysporin-like  products,  that are poorly absorbed from the gut and a lot
cheaper.

Tom Hale
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T.W. Hale, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Texas Tech University School of Medicine

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