Depilatories

Home treatment:

Normally, most of the above symptoms do not occur. The various ingredients that cause each of the symptoms are not concentrated to cause these problems. The most common problems are those of the intestinal tract.

DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING).
If the depilatory was swallowed, give 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:

• Give fluids.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how rapidly the alkali (depilatory) was diluted. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage. Damage can continue to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after the alkali is swallowed. Death may occur up to a month after the alkali was swallowed