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Warning-sign checks

Depilatory 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, noisy breathing, blue or grey lips, or collapse
    • Severe throat, chest, or abdominal pain
    • Drooling or inability to swallow saliva
    • Vomiting blood or repeated vomiting
    • Confusion, unusual drowsiness, or a seizure
    • A known large or intentional ingestion

    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 after an intentional ingestion.

    Keep the container nearby for responders, but do not delay calling.

    Contact a poison center promptly after any swallowed exposure, even if symptoms seem mild.

    Seek urgent advice after eye exposure, concentrated-product exposure, or exposure involving a young child.

    Prompt medical assessment is needed for ongoing eye pain, blurred vision, skin blistering, worsening redness, persistent coughing, hoarseness, painful swallowing, or difficulty keeping down fluids.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up may be needed after a deeper skin, eye, or internal burn.

    Arrange medical review if wounds are not healing, pain worsens, or swallowing becomes more difficult.

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