The discovery of the cause of dermatitis is desirable from the patient's standpoint so that it may be avoided not only to expedite recovery but chiefly to prevent recurrences. To this end, reporting of instances is important when the previous record of offending substance has not been made.
Hexylresorcinol solution S. T. 37 is a widely advertised antiseptic, in general use by the profession and the public, but when the patient whose history follows was seen in 1931 I was unable to find any reference in the literature to possible irritating effects. In March, 1932, Templeton and Lunsford1 reported six cases of stomatitis and cheilitis produced by S. T. 37 toothpaste, supposed to contain hexylresorcinol solution S. T. 37. They were unable to demonstrate which ingredient was responsible but suspected either altered or unaltered hexylresorcinol solution S. T. 37. All their patients reacted to contact tests for cutaneous sensitivity