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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Get Rid Of Eating Soap?

A room mate of mine has been eating soap for a couple of months now and recently ate an entire bar of soap..she started to get really bad headaches and vomitted twice after which she said she felt better.I thought she might be pregnant because i heard they do that sometimes but she wasn t and she tells me that she used to do this before but then stopped and for some reason started again.I m really worried about her,is she at risk of any long term effects and is there some way to help her stop eating soap?
Tue, 16 Dec 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello
Welcome here

The important thing which should be ruled out in your friend is iron deficiency anemia. This can lead to eating of non-palatable material like soap and is called PICA.

Another possibility is compulsive eating or a part of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. There is irresistible urge which a person tends to follow despite of knowing the fact that it should not be done.

Third possibility is underlying depression or a psychotic disorder.

I would advice you to take her to a psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
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How To Get Rid Of Eating Soap?

Hello Welcome here The important thing which should be ruled out in your friend is iron deficiency anemia. This can lead to eating of non-palatable material like soap and is called PICA. Another possibility is compulsive eating or a part of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. There is irresistible urge which a person tends to follow despite of knowing the fact that it should not be done. Third possibility is underlying depression or a psychotic disorder. I would advice you to take her to a psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment. Hope this helps. Thanks.