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1 child sent to the ED every 2 hours for ingesting cosmetics
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Children aged younger than 5 years frequently ingest personal care products, with nearly 70,000 presenting to EDs throughout the United States for these ingestions, according to the findings of a retrospective analysis published in Clinical Pediatrics. This equates to nearly one child presenting to the ED every 2 hours.
“Although a cosmetic product may not be harmful when used according to the directions, it is important for parents and caregivers to know that a young child could be seriously injured by these products,” Rebecca McAdams, MA, MPH, a senior research associate in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, told Infectious Diseases in Children. “These results indicated a steady and persistent number of cosmetic-related injuries for children and demonstrate the need for increased efforts and prevention messaging to reduce the burden of cosmetic injuries.”
McAdams and colleagues assessed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System related to children aged younger than 5 years who were treated in EDs throughout the U.S. between 2002 and 2016 for a cosmetic-related injury.
The researchers estimated that 64,686 children (95% CI, 53,037-76,335) were treated for these injuries during the study period, and no significant change was observed in the rate of injuries. Most (59.3%) occurred in children aged younger than 2 years.
Poisoning was the most common diagnosis (86.2%), and the most common causes of injury were nail care (28.3%), hair care (27%), skin care (25%) and fragrance (12.7%) products.
“It is important for parents and caregivers with young children in the home to store all personal care products safely — up, away and out of sight — in a locked cabinet is best,” McAdams said. “Remember that using child safety products like locks and latches will make storage safer and child resistant, but no product will make your home completely childproof.”
She also recommended that pediatricians discuss safe storage guidelines with caregivers during well-child visits. – by Katherine Bortz
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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