Health Encyclopedia
Hand lotion poisoning
Definition
This poisoning is from swallowing hand lotion or hand cream.
Alternative Names
Hand cream poisoningPoisonous Ingredient
- Dimethicone
- Various alcohols
- Paraffins (waxes)
- Petrolatum
- Mineral oil
Where Found
- Various hand lotions and creams
Symptoms
- Possible intestinal obstruction, resulting in abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
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
Poison Control
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.
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
