Search Results

Displaying 31 - 40 of 79 results for "topical"

Peppermint Oil: Is it Toxic?

Peppermint Oil: Is it Toxic?

Peppermint oil is an aromatic and flavoring agent that contains up to 50% menthol. While it is promoted for many ailments, studies showing effectiveness are primarily for some digestive tract illnesses. If small amounts are swallowed, inhaled, or applied to skin or eyes, it can cause irritation and burning. Large doses can cause serious toxicity due to the menthol.


Are Tarantulas Dangerous?

Are Tarantulas Dangerous?

Tarantulas are venomous, but the effects of the venom of tarantulas indigenous to North America are typically mild in humans and only cause pain at the bite site. Contact with tarantula hairs can cause redness, itching, and swelling. Avoid getting tarantula hairs in the eye. If you are bitten, wash the bite with soap and water, and then contact Poison Control, online or by phone.


Are Itch Mite Bites Dangerous?

Are Itch Mite Bites Dangerous?

Itch mite bites can cause intense itching and skin redness that can last for weeks. Because the mites are very small, most people do not remember being bitten. Over-the-counter products, including topical steroids and oral antihistamines, can be used to treat the itching caused by these bites.


What is Doxycycline?

What is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is a common broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribed for many kinds of infections. Therapeutic doses of doxycycline are generally safe, but doxycycline may cause severe reactions. It is important to understand what doxycycline is, be aware of precautions, and know what to do in instances of unintentional ingestion, overdose, or misuse.


What is petroleum jelly?

What is petroleum jelly?

Petrolatum is a common household product used in many medicated ointments. It is also used as a moisturizer. Petrolatum is generally considered nontoxic when consumed but should not be applied to the eye or within the nose due to risk of irritation or other side effects. 


Are Styptic Pencils Poisonous?

Are Styptic Pencils Poisonous?

Styptic pencils contain aluminum compounds and are used to stop bleeding. The most common use for styptic pencils is to treat small cuts caused by shaving. When applied to the skin, they harden or coagulate the surface of a wound. However, they are not meant to be consumed and may cause stomach upset or nausea if swallowed.


How Dangerous is Pepper Spray?

How Dangerous is Pepper Spray?

Lacrimators are chemicals that cause tear production and are typically used for personal protection and crowd control. These chemicals cause intense irritation to the eyes, skin, and lungs and can temporarily incapacitate a person. The most common lacrimator is pepper spray.


Is Eyelash Glue Toxic?

Is Eyelash Glue Toxic?

Temporary lashes are attached above the natural eyelashes with a temporary adhesive, while semi-permanent lash extensions are attached to the natural lashes with cyanoacrylate, the adhesive in Super Glue. If either kind of adhesive is used incorrectly, it can cause injury.


Is the One Chip Challenge Dangerous?

Is the One Chip Challenge Dangerous?

The Paqui One Chip Challenge was a social media challenge that involved eating an extremely spicy tortilla chip. The chip contained capsaicin, a compound that causes mouth and throat pain but can also result in more serious health problems including trouble breathing, esophageal damage, and heart problems. The manufacturer started pulling the product from store shelves in September 2023, following a death of a healthy teenager hours after participated in the challenge.


Is Vicks VapoRub safe?

Is Vicks VapoRub safe?

Vicks VapoRub has been used for many years as a cough and cold remedy. While this product is relatively safe to use when applied to the skin as directed on the package label, it should not be consumed or applied to the insides of the eyes, ears, or nose. To reduce the risk of burns and serious tissue damage, Vicks VapoRub should never be heated in a microwave.


Poisoned? Get Expert Help.

Don't guess what you should do. Get accurate Poison Control answers online or by phone. Both are free and confidential.

Get HELP ONLINE

or CALL 1-800-222-1222

Add Poison Control to your phone’s contacts

Download Poison Control vcard

Get the App!

Download the free
webPOISONCONTROL® app.

apple-logogoogle-app

Subscribe to The Poison Post®

The Poison Post® is a free, quarterly
e-newsletter delivering poison prevention tips right to your inbox!

The Poison Post

Learn the Poison Prevention Jingles

Learn the Poison Help jingle in English or Spanish. Use these jingles to teach the Poison Control number: 1-800-222-1222. Available for download.

Jingles

Poison Statistics

2013 outcome stats promo graph

National Poisoning Statistics

You're invited!

holiday card 2018

Your phantom ball invitation