Phenol (also known as carbolic acid) can cause serious chemical burns with the potential for systemic intoxication.
Phenol consists of benzene ring with a single hydroxy group. It was originally extracted from coal tar and may referred to as coal oil acid.
Medical uses of phenol:
(1) antiseptic
(2) oropharyngeal analgesic (Chloraseptic, other) for pharyngitis, canker sores, gingivitis, etc
(3) analgesia for chronic pain
(4) chemical matrixectomy for in-grown nails (onychocryptosis)
(5) hair colorings
(6) skin lightening products
(7) sunscreens
(8) pharmaceuticals
If a person is unfamiliar with its hazards and uses it in compounding then serious problems can occur.
Considering the hazards of benzene and that phenol is a teratogen, alternative solutions would be preferable.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
