Health Encyclopedia

Lip moisturizer poisoning

Definition

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

For information regarding allergic reactions to this substance, see para-aminobenzoic acid allergy.

Alternative Names

Chapstick poisoning

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.

Where Found

Lip balm and moisturizers containing a sunblock. Chapstick is one name brand.

Symptoms

Diarrhea
Eye irritation (if the product touched the eye)
Intestinal blockage
Nausea
Shortness of breath (with extremely high doses)
Vomiting

Home Treatment

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

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 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

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:

Activated charcoal
Fluids through an IV
Medicines to treat symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)

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

Review Date:10/24/2007
Reviewed By:Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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