Electrocardiography electrode and hand dermatitis from parachlorometaxylenol

Parachlorometaxylenol is used as a germicide in many topical products. To our knowledge, this is the first case of dermatitis from parachlorometaxylenol in electrocardiograph electrodes used with cardiac monitors. The patient also had hand eczema from a germicidal soap containing parachlorometaxylenol. In addition, our patient had a cross-reaction to dichlorometaxylenol, a reaction not previously reported.