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Ingestion of caustic cosmetic products
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine.
Insights
Young children ingesting cosmetic products with lye can cause aerodigestive tract burns. While most injuries were minor, one case required intensive care, highlighting risks of caustic chemicals in household products.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Ingestion of caustic substances is a common pediatric emergency.
- Cosmetic products containing alkaline chemicals pose a risk to children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of aerodigestive tract endoscopy in young children who ingested lye-containing cosmetic products.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 12 children under 2 years old who underwent endoscopy between 1985 and 1991 after ingesting cosmetic products.
- Clinical data and endoscopic findings were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Five children had pharyngeal burns; one had esophageal erythema.
- One child who ingested a fingernail decorating solution sustained extensive burns requiring intubation and ICU admission.
- No long-term sequelae were observed in any patient.
Conclusions:
- Alkaline cosmetic products are a significant health hazard for young children.
- Lack of child-proof packaging for these products exacerbates the risk.
Abstract:
Twelve children over a 6-year period (1985 to 1991) underwent aerodigestive tract endoscopy after ingestion of lye-containing cosmetic products. All children were less than 2 years of age and had facial and/or oral cavity burns. Eleven of these patients ingested alkaline hair products such as "activators" or "relaxers." Endoscopy revealed pharyngeal burns in five patients but no laryngeal or esophageal burns in any patient. Erythema of the esophageal mucosa was seen in one patient. One patient ingested a solution used in fingernail decorating. This patient sustained extensive superficial burns of the pharynx, larynx, and esophagus and required intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. No long-term sequelae developed. Cosmetic products containing caustic chemicals represent a significant health risk to small children, especially because child-proof packaging is not standard for these products.