title: Salicylate Toxicity from Genital Exposure to a Methylsalicylate-Containing Rubefacient.
abstract: Methylsalicylate-containing rubefacients have been reported to cause salicylate poisoning after ingestion, topical application to abnormal skin, and inappropriate topical application to normal skin. Many over-the-counter products contain methylsalicylate. Topical salicylates rarely produce systemic toxicity when used appropriately; however, methylsaliclyate can be absorbed through intact skin. Scrotal skin can have up to 40-fold greater absorption compared to other dermal regions. We report a unique case of salicylate poisoning resulting from the use of a methylsalicylate-containing rubefacient to facilitate masturbation in a male teenager. Saliclyate toxicity has not previously been reported from the genital exposure to methylsaliclyate.
authors.affiliation: The University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Trevonne M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Advocate Christ Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oak Lawn, Illinois.
authors.forename: Theodore
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Toerne
authors.affiliation: The University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Timothy B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Erickson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008418:Masturbation; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012459:Salicylates / Q000506:poisoning*; D012869:Skin Absorption; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D007509:Irritants; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D012459:Salicylates; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate; C033069:methyl salicylate