Nail Varnish Poisoning, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Nail Varnish Poisoning, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related DiseasesNail polish is a cosmetic chemical used to beautify and occasionally protect one's nails. They appear in a range of colors and shades and are a complicated mixture of chemicalsCauses:Nail Polish Poisoning is the accidental or purposeful ingestion of nail polish. The intake may be through inhalation, skin or eye contact, or after ingestion of the chemicalPoisonous IngredientsNail Varnish comprises both resins and solvents.
The harmful chemicals in the resins are:1. Amber2. Balsam3. RosinThe harmful chemicals in the solvents are:1 Nail varnish2. Butyl acetate3. Ethyl acetate4. Dibutyl phthalate5. CamphorMost nail varnishes have these chemicals although some now use non-toxic herbal ingredients. SymptomsThe signs and symptoms of Nail Polish Poisoning can range from one person to another. It may be mild in some and serious in others.
Many systems of the body, such as the digestive system, respiratory system, vascular system, nervous system, and urinary system may be involvedThe signs and symptoms of Nail Polish Poisoning are:1. Breathing problems, which may be serious if the varnish is inhaled2. Chest pain3. Headache4. Nausea, vomiting5. Stomach and abdominal pain6. Eye irritation and pain on contact with the substance7. Urination difficulties8.
Irregular heart-rate9. Feeling dizzy or drowsy10. Over-excitement; acting 'drunk'11. Lack of coordinated movements, walking difficulties, unable to stand12. Confusions and hallucinations13. Seizures14. Shock and unconsciousnessDiagnosis:The disorder is diagnosed based upon the medical history, combination of signs and symptoms, and more testsECG to look for abnormal heart rhythmsBronchoscopy and chest x-ray to check the lungsGastroscopy to check for ulcers in esophagus and stomachTreatmentHome CareIf the nail varnish is present on the skin or in the eyes, the patient must flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the persons swallowed the nail varnish, they should be given water or milk right away, unless a doctor tells them not to. They should not drink anything if they have symptoms that make it difficult to swallow:These symptoms are vomiting, convulsions, or a reduced level of alertness. If the persons took in nail varnish fumes, they should be moved to fresh air right away. Carefully remove the patient from the exposure areaThe airways should be protected (wear mask); make sure of breathing and the presence of pulseIf involvement of the eye has happened, the person should then wash thoroughly with copious amounts of water (for at least 15 minutes)Unless instructed by a doctor, there should no induction of vomiting in the affected patientThe patient should be taken to emergency room (ER) for further treatmentAlways try to bring the varnish bottle/container to the ERThe emergency medical doctor might do these steps towards treating the disorder:1.
Medically treat symptoms, such as abnormal heart rate and seizures2. Provide breathing support, if necessary3. Gastric lavage for removal of the substance from the stomach (irrigation using special solutions)4. Wash eyes repeatedly and completely (irrigation), to remove any remaining hazardous compound5. After this, a suitable skin or eye ointment may be applied to treat the exposure6. Surgical treatment for skin burns such as removal of burnt skin7.
Fluids are given by an intravenous drip lineThe doctor will evaluate and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressureMedicines are given to treat symptomsTABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Nail Varnis...