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Sunscreen - swallowing

Definition

Sunscreen is a cream or lotion used to protect the skin from the sun's rays. Sunscreen poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows sunscreen.

Poisonous Ingredient

Older sunscreens used para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to protect skin from the sun's rays. However, many of today's suntan lotions are PABA-free. Sunscreens may contain any of the following ingredients:

• Cinnamates
• Padimate-O
• Salicylates (aspirin-like compounds)
• Zinc oxide

Note: This list may not include all ingredients.

Where Found

• Some sunscreen lotions

Note: This list may not include all products containing sunscreen.

Symptoms

Sunscreens are generally considered non-poisonous (non-toxic). Most symptoms are caused by mild allergic reactions and skin and eye irritation.

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Eye irritation may occur after eye exposure
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
• Lungs
  • Shortness of breath (more common in allergic reactions)
  • Slowed respirations (in extremely high doses)
• Skin
  • Rash (allergic reaction)

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. 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:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Fluids
• Medicine to treat allergic reactions (diphenhydramine, prednisone)

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Swallowing sunscreen usually just causes mild stomach upset and vomiting.

Some suntan lotions contain a type of alcohol called ethanol. Children who swallow a large amount of such products may become drunk (intoxicated).

Swallowing a large amount of sunscreen made from salicylates could cause a condition similar to aspirin overdose.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.