Depilatory is a product used to remove unwanted hair. Depilatory poisoning occurs when someone swallows this substance.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Hair removal agents poisoning

• Sodium or calcium hydroxide (alkalis), which are quite toxic
• Barium sulfide
• Thioglycollates

Note: This list may not include all poisonous ingredients.

• Various depilatories

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Depilatory poisoning Symptoms

Review Date: 01/26/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)