Lip moisturizer poisoning

Definition

This poisoning is from eating or swallowing lip moisturizers.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Para-aminobenzoic acid

Where Found

• Chapstick
• Multiple other brand names

Symptoms

• Eye irritation (if the product touched the eye)
• Rash (due to allergic reaction)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Intestinal blockage

Home Treatment

Call Poison Control for further guidance.

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

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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

• Medicines to treat symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery is very likely, since the ingredients are generally considered nontoxic.