Cuticle remover

Definition

Poisoning from an overdose of cuticle remover (alkali).

Poisonous Ingredient

• potassium hydroxide
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found

• various cuticle removers
  

Symptoms

• body as a whole
  o severe pain in the mouth
  o collapse
  
• respiratory
  o inability to breath because the throat swell shut
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat:
  o severe pain in the throat
  
• gastrointestinal
  o severe Abdominal pain
  o diarrhea
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o rapid drop in blood pressure
  

Home Treatment
DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (Vomiting).
If the remover is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If it has been swallowed, drink water or milk IMMEDIATELY.

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, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
for swallowed poison:

• Give fluids.
  
• Give an antidote.
  
• Treat the symptoms.
  

for inhalation:

• Treat the symptoms.
  

Expectations (prognosis)