Depilatories Health Article

Definition

Depilatory is a chemical used to remove unwanted hair. Depilatory poisoning occurs when someone swallows this substance.

Alternative Names

Hair removal agents

Poisonous Ingredient

• Alkalis (sodium or calcium hydroxide)
• Barium sulfide
• Thioglycollates

Note: This list may not include all poisonous ingredients.

Where Found

• Various depilatories

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Blurred vision
• Breathing difficulty
• Burning pain in the throat
• Burns to the eye
• Collapse
• Coma
• Diarrhea (watery, bloody)
• Inability to walk in a normal manner
• Low blood pressure
• No urine output
• Rash
• Slurred speech
• Stupor
• Vomiting

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number