Hair straighteners

• sodium hydroxide

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found:

• various hair straighteners

Symptoms:

• body as a whole
  • severe pain in the mouth
  • collapse

• respiratory
  • inability to breath because the throat swell shut

• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • severe pain in the throat

• gastrointestinal
  • severe abdominal pain
  • diarrhea

• heart and blood vessels
  • rapid drop in blood pressure

Home Treatment:
DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS ( VOMITING ).

If the product is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the product was swallowed, give water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the patient is vomiting, keep giving water or milk.

Before Calling Poison Control:
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

Call Poison Control:
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:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
for swallowed poison:

• Give fluids.
• Treat the symptoms.

for inhalation:

• Treat the symptoms.

Prognosis:
The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how rapidly the alkali was diluted. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage. Damage continues 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 is swallowed.