Depilatories

Alternative names

Hair removal agents

Definition

This poisoning is from ingestion of a depilatory.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Barium sulfide
  
• Thioglycollates
  
• Alkalis
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found

• Various depilatories
  

Symptoms

• Body as a whole
  o Unable to walk in a normal manner
  o Slurred speech
  o No urine output
  o Collapse
  
• Respiratory
  o Difficulty breathing (from inhalation or allergic reaction)
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Burning pain in the throat
  o Blurred vision
  o Burns to the eye
  
• Skin
  o Rash
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Vomiting
  o Abdominal pain
  o Diarrhea (watery, bloody)
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Low blood pressure
  
• Nervous system
  o Stupor
  o Coma
  

Home Treatment

For any toxic exposure or allergic reaction, seek medical care immediately.
DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING).

If the depilatory was swallowed, give 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: