Within recent years the list of substances capable of inducing an inflammation of the skin in sensitive persons has grown rapidly. Dermatologists everywhere have been on the alert to discover in the world of external contacts new causes of dermatitis.
The reaction of the skin to irritants of a chemical nature has long been a matter of interest. Some chemicals are harmless to most persons, but quickly provoke a dermatitis in isolated instances of individual susceptibility. There are many others which are strong enough to act as primary irritants, producing an inflammation on any skin.
Less importance attaches to the latter group save when the method of exposure is unusual. The case which I shall describe, though it involves a primary irritant, merits attention because of the singular circumstances surrounding the patient's contact with the chemical, and because of its practical implication.
REPORT OF CASE
H. M., a white