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    Hand lotion poisoning

    Definition

    This poisoning is from swallowing hand lotion or hand cream.

    Alternative Names

    Hand cream poisoning

    Poisonous Ingredient

    • Dimethicone
    • Various alcohols
    • Paraffins (waxes)
    • Petrolatum
    • Mineral oil

    Where Found

    • Various hand lotions and creams

    Symptoms

    Home Care

    There is no home treatment. Call the Poison Control center for further information.

    Before Calling Emergency

    Determine the following information:

    • The patient's age, weight, and condition
    • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
    • The time it was swallowed
    • The amount swallowed

    The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

    This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

    See National Poison Control center.

    What to Expect at the Emergency Room

    The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

    The patient may receive:

    • Fluids
    • Medicines to treat symptoms
    • Activated charcoal
    • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage) 
    • Medicines to treat an allergic reaction (diphenhydramine, epinephrine, or prednisone)
    • Endoscopy -- the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach
    • Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison

    Outlook (Prognosis)

    Since these products are considered relatively nontoxic, recovery is very likely.


    Review Date: 3/8/2006
    Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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