Hand Sanitizer: What's the Real Story?

A lick of hand sanitizer won't hurt a child or anyone else. Drinking it can cause alcohol poisoning, which can cause low blood sugar, coma, and seizures – though this is not common.

Are Sunscreen Products Safe?

Sunscreens are generally considered safe. The risk for an adverse effect varies depending on which active ingredients are in the product. Sunscreen can sometimes cause skin irritation, rash, and allergic contact dermatitis. Toxicity is low if accidentally swallowed, applied to the eyes, or inhaled. Sunscreen can be applied to children 6 months and older.

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.

Is the One Chip Challenge dangerous?

The Paqui One Chip Challenge is a social media challenge that involves consumption of a spicy tortilla chip. The chip contains capsaicin, a compound found naturally in chili peppers. Capsaicin consumption typically causes mouth and throat pain but can also result in more serious health problems including heart attack and esophageal damage.

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.

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?

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 an individual. The most common lacrimator is pepper spray. Its effects are generally mild and resolve fairly quickly. More severe effects require medical evaluation.

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.

Side Effects of Overactive Bladder Medication

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that causes a sudden urge to urinate. OAB can be managed through behavioral techniques and medications. However, many people experience side effects, such as dry mouth, even at therapeutic doses.

Is It Safe to Make Soap at Home?

Soapmaking is a popular home activity, but potentially hazardous chemicals are often involved. Use of pre-made soap bases, or “melt and pour” products, is a safer way to make homemade soap.

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