What are the steps to take after a toddler accidentally ingests hand sanitizer?

Management of Accidental Hand Sanitizer Ingestion in Toddlers

In case of accidental hand sanitizer ingestion by a toddler, immediately call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on appropriate management. 1

Immediate Steps

• Call Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) immediately for professional assistance and guidance specific to your situation 1
• Assess the child for signs of alcohol intoxication including altered mental status, drowsiness, poor coordination, hypothermia, vomiting, or hypoventilation 2, 3
• Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by Poison Control 1
• Keep the hand sanitizer container to provide information about ingredients and concentration to medical professionals 4

Medical Evaluation

• Seek immediate medical attention if the child shows any of the following symptoms:

  • Altered mental status or decreased consciousness 2, 3
  • Difficulty breathing or hypoventilation 2
  • Hypothermia (low body temperature) 3
  • Vomiting 3
  • Seizures or unusual behavior 4

• Medical professionals may need to monitor:

  • Blood alcohol levels 2, 3
  • Electrolytes, particularly potassium levels 2
  • Blood glucose (for potential hypoglycemia) 5
  • Acid-base status (for metabolic acidosis) 4

Severity Assessment

• The severity of symptoms depends on:
  • Amount ingested relative to the child's weight 2
  • Alcohol concentration in the hand sanitizer (typically 60-95%) 4
  • Type of alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol, or potentially methanol) 6
  • Time elapsed since ingestion 3

Prevention Strategies

• Store all hand sanitizers out of reach of children 4
• Supervise young children when using hand sanitizers 5
• Consider using soap and water instead of hand sanitizers when possible, especially at home 5
• Choose hand sanitizers in child-resistant packaging 4
• Avoid hand sanitizers with appealing scents or colorful packaging that might attract children 4

Hand Hygiene Alternatives

• Washing hands with soap and water is the preferred method of hand hygiene for children, especially when hands are visibly soiled 7
• When washing hands with soap and water:
  • Wet hands with clean running water 7
  • Apply soap and lather by rubbing hands together 7
  • Scrub all surfaces for at least 20 seconds 7
  • Rinse hands thoroughly 7
  • Dry hands using a clean paper towel or air dry 7

Important Considerations

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause significant intoxication in small children due to their high alcohol content 2, 3
• Even small amounts can be dangerous to toddlers due to their low body weight 4
• Most serious cases involve unsupervised access to hand sanitizers 5
• Some hand sanitizers may contain methanol, which is particularly toxic and can cause blindness or death if ingested 6