A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Z

Shaving cream
Definition:
This poisoning is due to ingestion of shaving cream.

Alternative Names:
Shaving lotion

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • Anionic surfactants (soaps)
  • Nonionic surfactants (soaps)
Where Found:
  • Various shaving creams
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
  • Respiratory
    • Difficulty breathing (from inhalation or allergic reaction)
  • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Skin
    • Rash
  • Gastrointestinal
Home Treatment:
Give milk or water. These products are normally considered relatively nontoxic. Call Poison Control for further guidance. Do not induce vomiting.
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:

  • Treat the allergic reaction with diphenhydramine and prednisone.
  • For swallowed poison:
    • 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).
    • Activated charcoal administration.
    • Endoscopy -- the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach.
    • Give IV fluids.
    • Admission to the hospital.
    • Give an antidote.
    • Treat the symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis):
Since these products are relatively nontoxic, recovery is very likely.
Review Date: 2/10/2002
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com