title: Status epilepticus in a child secondary to ingestion of skin-lightening cream.
abstract: The popularity of the Internet and online media has led to the increased availability of prescription-strength, skin-lightening products contributing to a rise in their use among people with various skin pigment disorders. These products may contain a wide variety of active ingredients such as heavy metals, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids that can be highly toxic, especially after prolonged application. For decades, there have been case reports of both corticosteroid and heavy metal toxicity related to skin-lightening cream use. We report a case of a child who developed status epilepticus after ingesting a skin-lightening solution containing 2% hydroquinone. The toxicodynamics of hydroquinone and its effects on the central nervous system are discussed.
authors: Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. drjburns@gmail.com
authors: Jarrett M
authors: JM
authors: Burns
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Marino
authors: Mariann
authors: M
authors: Manno
authors: Sean
authors: S
authors: Rhyee
authors: Edward W
authors: EW
authors: Boyer
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001259:Ataxia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004435:Eating; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D007223:Infant; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations / Q000506:poisoning*; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D006873:Hydroquinones; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations; D010672:Phenytoin; C043114:fosphenytoin; D008140:Lorazepam; C031927:hydroquinone; D010634:Phenobarbital