Colloidal Oatmeal

1. Wipe or rinse out mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Rinse any exposed skin with lukewarm water.
4. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

If someone gets colloidal oatmeal in the eye(s), there can be immediate burning and stinging, which requires prompt first aid to avoid an eye injury.

1. Start rinsing eye(s) with lukewarm water.
2. Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further recommendations.

Quick Facts About Colloidal Oatmeal

What is colloidal oatmeal?

Colloidal oatmeal products are made from the oats harvested from the Avena sativa plant and eaten by many people for breakfast. Grinding the oats into a fine powder allows them to dissolve easily in water for soaks or into creams, lotions, or soaps. These may have soothing properties intended for irritated skin. Colloidal oatmeal may treat skin conditions, including contact dermatitis, eczema, poison-ivy-type rashes, insect bites, and dry skin. Colloidal oatmeal products help support the skin barrier’s health by helping the skin hold onto moisture and act as an emollient to calm redness and reduce itching. There may also be some anti-inflammatory benefits to using these products. 

If Accidentally Ingested

Eating small amounts of oatmeal powder, soap, cream, or lotion may irritate the mouth and stomach. There will likely be no symptoms; however, at the most, minor symptoms from the product formulation, such as stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea, may occur. For those individuals who have been diagnosed with gluten intolerance, ingesting large amounts will likely induce a flare-up of their symptoms, which typically does not happen with accidental taste amounts. There is no evidence at this time to indicate that the gluten present in the oatmeal can be absorbed through the skin, causing a significant reaction.

If you find someone has eaten a small amount of a colloidal oatmeal product, do not panic. Wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day, for poisoning emergencies and questions.

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