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Warning-sign checks

Hand lotion poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if the person:

    • Has trouble breathing, severe wheezing, or blue or grey lips
    • Is difficult to wake, collapses, or becomes unresponsive
    • Has a seizure
    • Cannot swallow safely or is choking
    • Develops severe confusion or extreme agitation

    Call emergency services or a local crisis service and stay with the person if it is safe to do so.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not wait for symptoms if the exposure may have been an attempt at self-harm.

    Contact a poison centre promptly after lotion is swallowed, especially when the amount is unknown, the product is medicated, a child is involved, or symptoms have started.

    Keep the container nearby.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for repeated vomiting, worsening stomach pain, unusual sleepiness, poor coordination, or a persistent cough after choking on lotion.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is reasonable if mild symptoms continue beyond the period predicted by the poison centre, or if cough, reduced appetite, or bowel changes do not settle.

    It is also appropriate after repeated accidental exposures or any intentional ingestion.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hand lotion poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.