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This patient information on
Thimerosal is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist
and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is
not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other
physician.
The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy)
to Thimerosal. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each
exposure of Thimerosal to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals
develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long
periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized
(allergic) your immune system always "remembers" and you will be Thimerosal
sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other
factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this
allergen.
Used widely as an antiseptics and preservative in topical medications
cosmetics, and vaccines. Individuals' that show a positive reaction to
Thimerosal may be more of a risk to develop a photosensitivity to Felene (Piroxicam)
an oral anti-inflammatory.
Where is chemical found?
►Antitoxins
►Antiseptics
►Cosmetics
►Contact lens solution
►Desensitization injections (allergy
shots)
►Ear drops
►Germicides
►Immunogloblin preparations
►Allergy skin testing solutions
►Liquid soap
►Mascara
►Nose drops
►Oral hygiene products
►Pesticides
►Soap-free cleanser
►Topical medicines
►Tuberculin tests
►Vaccines
Hints on avoiding chemical:
►Choose products listed only on your
personalized Contact Allergen Database, which has been provided to you. Products
listed on your Contact Allergen Resource Database will be free of Thimerosal and
safe to use.
►Please be aware that if your spouse
or significant other uses topical skin care products that contain this chemical
skin-to-skin transfer may occur to you.
►It may take 2 to 3 weeks of avoiding
exposure before improvement of your eruption begins.
►Inform your primary car physician
about your allergy and ask for preparations that do not contain thimerosal.
Other names you may see this chemical listed as:
Ethylmercurithiosalicylate
Mercurochrome
Mercurothiolate
Merfamin
Mertorgan
Merthiolate
Merzonin
Sodiumethylmercurithiosalicylate
Thiomersalan
Thiomersalate
Potential Occupational Exposures
Nurses
Laboratory Technologists
© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D.
2004 WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com
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