We report 2 cases of implant infection with Staphylococcus aureus associated with dermatitis. In both cases, the skin at the surgical site was normal and full antiseptic measures were taken. One patient had a history of chronic asteatotic eczema complicated by cellulitis; the other had generalised exfoliative dermatitis with an atopic aetiology. Dermatitis at sites remote from the operative site may be a contributing factor in implant infection.