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Poison Center Helpline 1-800-222-1222

Not sure what to do? Have an urgent question?

If your child is having symptoms or you don't know the exact substance or amount swallowed, call the Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

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My Child Ate Soap

soap
Soap is Minimally toxic .

If your child ate soap, give them a few sips of water and watch for vomiting and loose stools.

If your child swallowed household cleaning products, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

What to know: Soap

  • Soap includes liquid soap, bar soap, antibacterial soap, moisturizing soap and other types of hand and body soap.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My child ate soap. Is soap toxic? 

Hand and body soaps are considered minimally toxic.

Other types of soaps like degreasers or household cleaning products are much more potent and may contain toxic ingredients. If your child swallowed household cleaning products, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for advice specific to your situation.

Symptoms of Poisoning

If your child swallowed hand or body soap, give them a few sips of water and monitor for vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

If your child experiences more than one episode of vomiting or persistent diarrhea, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222.

Eye Exposure

  • Soap may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.

  • If your child got soap in their eyes, rinse by pouring clean, lukewarm water across the affected eye(s) for 15 minutes.

For more instructions, please see our page on eye exposure information.

Have an urgent question or need more help?

Don't hesitate to call IPC at

1-800-222-1222

This call is free and confidential.

Poison Center HelplineCalls are free and confidential.

  1. In Case of Emergency

    Call 911 if someone is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing.

  2. Remain Calm

    Most poison emergencies can be resolved quickly over the phone.

  3. Call the Helpline

    Call 1-800-222-1222 if you are concerned that you or someone else has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance.