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
- severe pain in the mouth
- collapse
respiratory
- inability to breath because the throat swell shut
eyes, ears, nose, and throat:
- severe pain in the throat
gastrointestinal
- severe abdominal pain
- diarrhea
heart and blood vessels
- 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. If the patient is vomiting, keep giving water or milk.

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):

The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how rapidly the alkali was diluted and neutralized. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible but not likely due to the dilute concentrations. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage.

Damage continues to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after the alkali was swallowed. Death may occur up to a month later.

Review Date: 1/11/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.

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