Lip gloss

Alternative names

Lipstick; Lip balm

Definition

This poisoning is from an overdose of lipstick.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Petrolatum
  
• Lanolin
  
• Eosin
  
• Other pigments
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found

• Various lipsticks
  

Symptoms

• 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
With any toxic ingestion or allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately. Call Poison Control for further information.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
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:

• Treat the allergic reaction with diphenhydramine and prednisone.
  
• For swallowed poison:
  o Placement of a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric tube, or an NG tube) to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage).o Activated charcoal administration.o Endoscopy - the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach.o Give IV fluids.o Admission to the hospital.o Give an antidote.o Treat the symptoms.