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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Child Swallowed Dettol. Reddish Rash On The Cheeks And Mouth. Need Treatment?

My 2 year old son sprayed dettol multi cleaner on his face and swallowed a small amount. There opis no bleach in the cleaner. I cleaned his face straight away with water and he has had a shower since as well. He now has a red rash on his cheeks and around his mouth. He is not showing any discomfort even when I touch it.
Sat, 19 Jan 2013
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Pediatrician, Neonatology 's  Response
Hello... You have done a great job by cleaning it with water immediately. As there are no other symptoms except the rash on face there is no need to worry. The concentrated chemicals will lead to allergic manifestations. Your baby needs clinical examination and if needed he will be prescribed antihistamines by your doctor.
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Pediatrician Dr. Diana Divakar's  Response
Hi Mrs. Betty,
Thank you for posting your query on healthcaremagic.com and giving us this opportunity to clarify your doubts.
Well, dettol mainly contains chloroxylenol which when consumed in large amounts can be aspirated into the lungs and causing breathing difficulty and respiratory arrest. But for aspiration, it has be sufficient amount. Just licking is unlikely to cause anything. In any case, keep a watch on his breathing pattern. With the earliest sign of any difficulty, you might have to take him to the ER. This complication can happen a little late too, so better to be under observation for atleast 24 hours.

Dettol is also notorious to cause neurological effects like drowsiness and lethargy. Keep a watch on his mental status and his activities. Do not force him to vomit by any means.

The rash must be just contact dermatitis due to direct contact of the chemical with his face. You can apply some skin smothening and moisturising agent. It should resolve.

Hope I have helped you to get over your doubts and I will be available in case of further queries. Take care and stay healthy.
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Pediatrician Dr. Synthyia Bhagat's  Response
Hi
Thanks for your query,
Dettol is a common household product.It has a corrosive action on gastrointestinal tract,depressant action on central nervous system,and problem is related with aspiration.
Your child came in contact with small amount of dettol, so do not worry.
redness on cheeks and around mouth is due to its corrosive action wash the area with plenty of water,give him plenty of water to drink,
In case symptoms persist take him to ER,
Your child will be fine,
God bless,
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General & Family Physician Dr. Polash Sannigrahi's  Response
Hello dear..
The rash may be due to allergic reaction of the skin to the Dettol multicleaner.
This is a self limiting condition, but for faster recovery you can use a mild moisturizer like Cetaphil.
There is no need to worry...he will be fine.
Wishing a good health.
Thanks & take care
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Child Swallowed Dettol. Reddish Rash On The Cheeks And Mouth. Need Treatment?

Hello... You have done a great job by cleaning it with water immediately. As there are no other symptoms except the rash on face there is no need to worry. The concentrated chemicals will lead to allergic manifestations. Your baby needs clinical examination and if needed he will be prescribed antihistamines by your doctor.