Soap ingestion

• Definition
• Poisonous Ingredient
• Where Found
• Symptoms
• Home Treatment

• Before Calling Emergency
• Poison Control, or a local emergency number
• What to expect at the emergency room
• Expectations (prognosis)

Definition   

Poisoning from an ingestion of soap.

Poisonous Ingredient   

Most bar soaps are considered relatively non-toxic.

Where Found   

• Various bar soaps

Symptoms   

• Contact dermatitis (redness and local irritation)
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Home Treatment   

For any toxic exposure or allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately. Call Poison Control for further guidance.

Before Calling Emergency   

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number   

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room   

• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)   

Recovery normally occurs.