Dr. Sugreev Singh
Internal Medicine
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
After using a bathroom unblocker, I seem to be getting a reaction on anything I touch in the bathroom. My hand feels like burning, and if I touch my face, it feels the same. I keep wearing gloves to prevent this. The unblocker was used a week ago, and I feel that particles somehow spread in the air and landed on surfaces. With time I have a similar feeling in the kitchen, although it was not used there. My question is, can this be the case? The unblocker was used on instruction in the right amount, and the bottle has been thrown away right after the use.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com. Usually, unblocker does not lead to such symptoms, and as you mentioned, you used it a week ago but still feel the sensation. If the blocker was too strong or maybe expired, then it can cause some symptoms. If not, the symptoms you are experiencing can be due to some other gases or chemicals. I would suggest you clean the bathroom and door handle with simple lukewarm warm water. And everything will be fine. Can you please tell me the name of the unblocker you used? Do you get itching or rashes too? Please let me know so I can prescribe you medicine accordingly.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I do not have the bottle anymore and can not tell you the name. It was very strong and continued acid. I only used a small amount. I used it before and did not react like this. I wiped everything in the bathroom, and my hands got a reaction immediately. It looks like discoloration of the skin and burning. And it continues with time. We do not have any other chemicals or reasons for this reaction. Can any tests be done to establish the level of toxicity?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. Yes, some tests can be done to check if you have some chemical injuries. I would suggest you do a blood complete blood count (CBC) test with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). It would help to trace the allergic reaction if you got any. And after the test, send me reports. I will check and let you know further. I would suggest you send a picture of your hands where you have discoloration. I will check and let you know. Apart from that please do not worry. I am here to help you. Please take Cetirizine 10 mg tablet once a day after meal for three days. Keep windows open so that air will pass, and due to ventilation, chemicals will evaporate. Please send a picture of your hands where you have sensation.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I have finally found the name of the product. It is called the Melt and contains sulphuric acid mainly. You can take a look at the Internet. I need scientific advice. I have read that if particles land on a surface which is porous, it will continue working. My concern was that those particles remained on the clothes that I was wearing when I used the product, on towels in the bathroom, and spread throughout the flat. I had a strong reaction when I opened the washing machine to take out some towels in the bathroom that day. I felt burning in my throat and lips and then stomach. Please do let me know the chemical properties of this acid and how do I deal with this to decontaminate my flat otherwise, it is becoming unbearable. As for antihistamine, I have it, and it does not help much.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. Thank you for naming the product. I would let you know that sulfuric acid is a strong acid, and it can lead to some burning sensation. Still, at some time, if it did not have direct contact with skin or particular organ, then it cannot lead to any severe side effects such as ulcers in the stomach or hand, but you do not have any of there, so it can be just irritation caused by the chemical. So nothing to worry much about. You did not have direct contact with acid. You can apply Beclomethasone Clotrimazole ointment two times a day on the burning sensation, and everything will be fine. Sulfuric acid cannot lead to any severe complications in the body until direct contact is there. So do not worry. If anything else, please let me know.
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Internal Medicine
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