Soap ingestion

Definition:
Poisoning from an ingestion of soap.

Poisonous Ingredient:

Most bar soaps are considered relatively non-toxic.

Where Found:
  • Various bar soaps
Symptoms:
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.
Note: It may not be necessary to take the patient to the emergency room.
Expectations (prognosis):
Recovery normally occurs.

Review Date: 2/15/2002
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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