Aloe

Aloe is an extract from the aloe plant. It is used in many skin care products. Aloe poisoning occurs when someone swallows this substance. However, aloe is not very poisonous.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

The substances that can be harmful are:

• Aloe
• Aloin

Where Found

Aloe is found in many different products, including:

• Burn medicines

  Burn

  Burns commonly occur by direct or indirect contact with heat, electric current, radiation, or chemical agents. Burns can lead to cell death....

   

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• Cosmetics
• Hand creams

  Hand creams

  Hand lotion poisoning occurs when someone swallows hand lotion or hand cream. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage...

   

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Other products may also contain aloe.

Symptoms

Symptoms of aloe poisoning include:

• Breathing difficulty (from breathing in a product that contains aloe)

  Breathing difficulty

  Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathingUncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air

   

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• Diarrhea
• Loss of vision
• Rash
• Severe abdominal pain

  Abdominal pain

  Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.

   

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• Skin irritation
• Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)

  Swelling

  Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...

   

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• Vomiting

Home Care

Stop using the product.

Seek medical help right way. DO NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. 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.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated.

The person may receive:

• Blood and urine tests
• Fluids by IV (through a vein)
• Medicines to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well someone does depends on how much aloe they swallowed and how quickly they receive treatment. The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery.

Aloe is not very poisonous. Treatment is usually not needed. However, if you swallow it, you will likely have diarrhea.

A small number of people have an allergic reaction to aloe, which can be dangerous. Get medical help if a rash, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, or chest pain develop.