Ingesting soap can occur accidentally. Children might mistake brightly colored dish soap or laundry pods for candy or a drink. Adults might also swallow small amounts from accidental splashes while cleaning or residue left in unrinsed containers.
What to Do Immediately
If soap is ingested, remain calm. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water to remove any remaining soap residue. If the person is conscious and able to swallow, offer small sips of water or milk to help dilute the soap in the stomach.
Never induce vomiting unless specifically advised by a medical professional or poison control. Inducing vomiting can re-expose the esophagus and throat to the soap, potentially causing further irritation or damage. It also increases the risk of inhaling the soap into the lungs, which can lead to serious respiratory problems.
Understanding the Effects
The effects of ingesting soap vary significantly depending on the type and quantity consumed. Most household soaps are minimally toxic in small amounts. Ingesting milder soaps typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with mouth and throat irritation.
In contrast, concentrated cleaning products like laundry or dishwasher detergents, especially single-use pods, contain stronger chemicals and are significantly more caustic. These can cause severe internal damage, including chemical burns to the esophagus and stomach lining. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, bloody vomit, difficulty breathing, or changes in blood acid levels. Laundry detergents, with enzymes and aggressive cleaning agents, are particularly hazardous.
When Professional Help is Needed
Always contact a poison control center immediately if soap is ingested, regardless of the type or amount. The national toll-free Poison Help hotline in the United States is 1-800-222-1222. This free, confidential service connects callers to medical professionals trained in poison emergencies 24/7.
Professional medical attention is particularly important in specific scenarios. Seek emergency medical care if highly concentrated or caustic soaps, such as laundry detergent pods or dishwasher detergent, are ingested. Immediate help is also needed if a large quantity of any soap is swallowed, or if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening. These severe symptoms can include repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, burns around the mouth or throat, chest pain, or a decreased level of alertness. Infants or individuals with pre-existing health conditions should also receive prompt medical evaluation.