answersLogoWhite

0

Definition

This article discusses the health effects that may occur from accidentally or intentionally eating or swallowing soap.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Soap - swallowing; Soap ingestion

Poisonous Ingredient

Most bar soaps are considered harmless (nontoxic).

Where Found
  • Various bar soaps
Symptoms
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
Home Treatment

Immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

Note: You may not need to go to the emergency room.

Expectations (prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received.

Patients usually recover.

References

Sioris LJ, Schuller HK. Soaps, detergents, and bleaches. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 102.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 02/16/2012

Eric Perez, MD, St. Luke's / Roosevelt Hospital Center, NY, NY, and Pegasus Emergency Group (Meadowlands and Hunterdon Medical Centers), NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Can swallowing soap cause a miscarriage?

No it will not.


Is swallowing dish soap dangerous?

Yes, it can be caustic.


How effective is soap for passing a drug test?

Swallowing soap will do nothing for you. Just drink water. That will help the kidneys to function better.


What will happen if you swallow a soap bubble?

Swallowing a soap bubble is generally not harmful, as the ingredients in soap bubbles are typically non-toxic. The bubble will likely break down in the stomach due to stomach acids and digestive enzymes. However, if someone experiences choking or any adverse symptoms, they should seek medical attention. It's always best to avoid swallowing non-food items for safety reasons.


Is it safe for dogs if Dawn dish soap is swallowed?

Swallowing a small amount of Dawn dish soap is generally safe for dogs, but it may cause stomach upset or irritation. It is important to monitor your dog for any signs of distress and contact a veterinarian if you have concerns.


Is octagon soap poisonous?

Octagon soap is not considered poisonous when used as directed for cleaning purposes. However, it is important to keep it out of reach of children and avoid ingestion, as swallowing large amounts of any soap can lead to gastrointestinal irritation. If swallowed or if there are any adverse reactions, it's best to seek medical advice. Always read the product label for safety information.


If someone swallowed alittle bit of dishwasher soap what will happen?

Swallowing a small amount of dishwasher soap may cause gastrointestinal irritation, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. It is important to drink plenty of water and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.


Is it bad for you to eat soap?

yes, it is bad for you to eat soap, because there are various chemicals in the soap that can cause damage to the body if taken in a large proportion. Everything is good in prportion though, so if you only eat a little bit of soap once and never do it again, you're not going to die. It's actually probably healthier than swallowing a large amount of bleach, because bleach has more chemicals for example, and if taken in a large prportion it can be harmful, especially compared to a small amount of soap. Still, I would advise against it. It probably doesn't taste good.


If swallowed is dawn dish soap toxic?

Swallowing small amounts of Dawn dish soap is not likely to be toxic, but it can cause stomach upset and discomfort. If a larger amount is ingested, it may lead to more serious symptoms and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It is important to keep cleaning products out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.


What happens if you swallow dish soap?

Swallowing dish soap can cause irritation to the throat, esophagus, and stomach, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can cause chemical burns. If swallowed, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.


Did the man in the shower say soap soap soap?

He was singing a few bars


How much soap did the soap dealer deal when the soap dealer did deal soap?

One bar of Ivory soap.