Methemoglobinemia due to skin application of benzocaine.

We report a 2-year-old child who presented with severe methemoglobinemia after topical application of Lanacane (with 3% benzocaine). The experience with our patient shows that intoxication can occur in children if the drug is applied to a large area of skin that has lost its integrity. We discuss the usefulness of the pulse oximeter in making the diagnosis and review the management of methemoglobinemia.