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Systemically induced allergic exanthem from mercury.

Marianne Lerch¹, Andreas J Bircher

¹Allergy Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.

Contact Dermatitis

|July 28, 2004

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

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Systemic allergic reactions to mercury can cause various skin issues, including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and baboon syndrome. Patch testing confirms mercury allergy in affected individuals.

Area of Science:

Dermatology
Toxicology
Allergy

Background:

Cutaneous reactions to mercury exposure present diverse clinical patterns.
Systemic allergic reactions are often linked to mercury vapor inhalation or prior sensitization.

Observation:

Two distinct systemic reactions include acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and symmetric flexural exanthem ('baboon syndrome').
Inhalation of metallic mercury vapor from broken thermometers is a common trigger.
Patch testing with mercury compounds is positive in approximately 80% of sensitized patients.

Findings:

Three patients presented with either flexural exanthem or AGEP.
All patients demonstrated positive patch tests to mercury derivatives.
Elevated, yet non-toxic, serum mercury levels were observed in two patients.

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Implications:

This review surveys literature on systemic allergic exanthems induced by mercury.
Further research is needed to elucidate the specific distribution patterns of mercury-induced skin manifestations in AGEP and flexural exanthem.