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Acute percutaneous lactic acid poisoning in a child
Manuela Esteban Ramírez1, Wael Fasheh Youseef, Roser Garrido Romero
1Pediatrics Service, Integrated Pediatrics Unit, Emergency Section, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu-Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. 35902mer@comb.es
Pediatric Dermatology
|June 20, 2006
Summary
Topical lactic acid poisoning is rare but can occur from frequent emollient use in children with lamellar ichthyosis. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing the lactic acid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Lamellar ichthyosis is a rare genetic skin disorder requiring intensive management with emollients.
- Topical lactic acid is used in some emollients for its keratolytic properties.
Observation:
- A young girl with lamellar ichthyosis presented with neurological symptoms including irritability, agitation, myoclonia, and gait disturbance.
- These symptoms were associated with significant lactic acidosis.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms and lactic acidosis were attributed to excessive application of emollients containing lactic acid.
- Discontinuation of the topical lactic acid treatment led to complete resolution of clinical signs.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for percutaneous poisoning from topical lactic acid, even in pediatric patients.
- Healthcare providers should consider topical absorption of ingredients like lactic acid as a cause of metabolic acidosis in patients with compromised skin barriers.
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