First Aid for Croton Poisoning
Croton poisoning occurs due to the ingestion or contact with the seeds of the Euphorbiaceae plant Croton. These seeds contain croton oil, a highly toxic substance with strong purgative and hemolytic effects. Poisoning is most common in children due to accidental ingestion.
Contents
Understanding Croton Poisoning
Causes:
- Ingestion of croton seeds or oil.
- Skin or mucosal contact with croton oil.
Toxic Effects:
- Lysis of red blood cells, leading to local cell necrosis.
- Severe irritation and inflammation of tissues.
Toxicity:
- Highly toxic; even 20 drops of croton oil can cause severe poisoning or death.
Symptoms of Croton Poisoning
Early Symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea with rice-like stools
- Vomiting and bloody stools
Late-Stage Symptoms:
- Cold extremities
- Muscle cramps
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
- Coma
- Heart or kidney failure (often fatal)
Skin Contact Symptoms:
- Acute inflammation
- Blistering and burning pain within 24 hours
Eye and Nose Contact Symptoms:
- Acute inflammation
First Aid Measures
Early-Stage Poisoning:
- Induce Vomiting: Stimulate the pharynx to induce vomiting.
- Gastric Lavage:
- Use a 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution, olive oil, or warm water.
- Be gentle and cautious. Avoid gastric lavage if blisters are present in the oral mucosa.
- Administer Activated Charcoal: Follow gastric lavage with activated charcoal or a general antidote.
- Soothing Liquids:
- Cold thick rice soup or batter
- Egg white, milk, or soy milk
- Boiled soybean juice or juice from mashed banana leaves and roots
- Decoction of mung beans (120 grams)
- Peanut oil (60-120 grams)
For Those Without Diarrhea:
- Administer magnesium sulfate as a cathartic (use sodium sulfate if respiratory depression is present).
- Encourage drinking plenty of fluids.
Mild Cases:
- Administer 500 ml of cold water at a time.
Important Notes
- Avoid Gastric Lavage: Do not perform gastric lavage if blisters are present in the oral mucosa.
- Seek Medical Attention: Always consult a healthcare provider after administering first aid.
- Prevent Exposure: Keep croton seeds and oil out of reach of children.
This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
