Ammoniacal dermatitis. Clinical observations on an efficacious, economical and neglected treatment.

Several pediatricians in one community began instructing mothers of infants with ammoniacal diaper rash to use o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol (OBPC) in laundering diapers. This simple, previously reported item of management was prescribed in 87 cases of ammoniacal rash. In almost all uncomplicated cases the rash cleared in an average of four days; when complicated by Staphylococcus aureus or Monilia albicans infection, clearing took a few days longer. The few cases of less than satisfactory results were attributable to improper use of the chemical. Several of the mothers had mild irritation of the hands from use of OBPC.