Hair lighteners

Home treatment:

Discontinue use.

For hydrogen peroxide and potassium persulfate: Dilute with water or milk.

For ethanol: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY Poison Control. A patient can accidentally inhale some of the vomitus into his/her lungs.

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:

• Use gastric lavage.
• Give water.
• Induce emesis.
• Insert a gastric tube to prevent pressure build-up.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Survival over 24 hours usually indicates recovery will follow. Death is unlikely; however, complications (such as a ruptured colon) may require treatment.