Poisons by Depilatories
Commercial preparations for removing superfluous hair commonly contain thallium acetate, which is highly poisonous, or barium sulfide and sodium sulfide, which are moderately poisonous. Children are the usual victims. Symptoms appear several hours after the poison has been taken. Those involving the digestive organs include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea which may be bloody. Damage to the nervous system causes unusual sensations, drooping of the eyelids (one or both), crossing of the eyes, facial paralysis, and possibly delirium and convulsions. These poisons also cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
WHAT TO DO
It is important to empty the stomach quickly. If available, give the victim 1 percent solution of sodium iodide to drink (three or four glasses) and then induce vomiting by a finger in the throat. If sodium iodide is not available, use milk. Combat shock by keeping the victim warm and elevating his legs above the level of his body. Give much water to drink to reduce damage to the kidneys. Strong coffee (lukewarm or cool) by enema may help by its stimulating action
