A HITHERTO unreported infant at Buffalo Children's Hospital developed Cushingoid features and edema while being treated with topical hydrocortisone for a skin lesion. Because of the clinical observations made on this patient and because of the paucity of reports confirming percutaneous absorption of hydrocortisone, the study described below was undertaken. Report of a Case A 3-day-old Negro male infant, born after 36 weeks' gestation with a birth weight of 1.76 kg (1,760 gm), was admitted to the hospital with a history of desquamating lesions of the lips and the mucous membranes of the mouth since birth. On the day of admission bullous lesions had appeared on the left elbow and buttocks. For two days prior to admission penicillin and streptomycin had been given. At the time of hospitalization the infant's general condition was good, weight 1.7 kg (1,700 gm), and physical examination was normal except for the lesions noted above.