[Multicenter survey related to the frequency of positive patch tests with mercury and thiomersal]

A multicentric study concerning the frequency of positive allergic patch test reactions to mercury and to thiomersal has been conducted in France and in Belgium among 2,000 adult patients submitted to routine patch testing. 73 (3.6 p. 100) patients had a positive patch test to mercury and 47 (2.3 p. 100) to thiomersal, 22 (1.1 p. 100) reacted positively to both mercurials. These high figures are most probably in relation with a broad use of mercurials in both countries, as antiseptics as well as preservative agents in topical drugs. They lead to a careful use of mercurials, which have to be avoided when they can be advantageously replaced by other antiseptics or preservative agents. As far as cosmetics are concerned, the use of mercurials (chemical nature and concentration) is restricted by a Recommendation of the European Council.