Allergic Contact Dermatitis From Mercury Antiseptics and Derivatives: Study Protocol of Tolerance to Intramuscular Injections of Thimerosal

Abstract

The majority of the patients showed positive tests to both organic and inorganic mercury derivatives. Vaccination with thimerosal is relatively safe, even for individuals with delayed type hypersensitivity to this chemical, since more than 90% of allergic patients tolerated intramuscular challenge tests with thimerosal. A simplified protocol of patch tests to study mercury derivatives is proposed. It would be advisable to restrict the use of mercurial antiseptics and mercury thermometers.