Lip moisturizer poisoning

This poisoning results from eating or swallowing lip moisturizers containing para-aminobenzoic acid.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Para-aminobenzoic acid is a naturally occurring substance that can absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. It is often used in sunscreen products, including lip moisturizers containing sunblocks. It is harmful in large amounts. It can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Where Found

Para-aminobenzoic acid is found in certain lip balm and moisturizers containing a sunblock. Chapstick is one brand name.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Eye irritation (if the product touched the eye)

  Eye irritation

  Eye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.

   

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• Intestinal blockage
• Nausea and vomiting

  Vomiting

  Nausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up is forcing the contents of the stomach ...

   

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• Shortness of breath (with extremely high doses)

If you have an allergy to a dye in the moisturizer, you may develop tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, and trouble breathing.

Home Care

DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

If you have an allergic reaction, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The person'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

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This 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 United States 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.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood and urine tests will be done. The person may receive:

• Activated charcoal to prevent the poison from absorbing into the digestive tract
• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Medicines to treat symptoms

For an allergic reaction, the person may need:

• Airway and breathing support, including oxygen. In extreme cases, a tube may be passed through the mouth into the lungs to prevent aspiration. A breathing machine (ventilator) would then be needed.
• Chest x-ray
• EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Medicines specific for allergic reactions

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery is very likely. The ingredients are generally considered to be nontoxic.