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Merthiolate hypersensitivity and vaccination.

L Förström, M Hannuksela, M Kousa

    Contact Dermatitis
    |June 1, 1980
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Merthiolate hypersensitivity affects 2.0% of eczema patients. Even with precautions, merthiolate in vaccines may cause local reactions, suggesting replacement with alternative agents.

    Area of Science:

    • Dermatology
    • Allergy Immunology

    Background:

    • Merthiolate (thimerosal) is a common preservative in vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
    • Hypersensitivity reactions to merthiolate can manifest as contact dermatitis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of merthiolate hypersensitivity.
    • To assess the risk of local reactions from merthiolate exposure in sensitive individuals.

    Main Methods:

    • Epicutaneous testing with 0.1% merthiolate in petrolatum.
    • Intradermal testing with merthiolate and its components (mercury, thiosalicylic acid).
    • Subcutaneous challenge with a merthiolate solution in merthiolate-positive patients.

    Main Results:

    • 2.0% of eczema patients and 7% of healthy recruits showed hypersensitivity to merthiolate.

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  • A significant portion of merthiolate-sensitive patients reacted to the whole complex, not individual components.
  • Subcutaneous injection of merthiolate caused local eczematous reactions in 4 out of 9 tested patients.

    • Conclusions:

    • Merthiolate hypersensitivity is prevalent in eczema patients.
    • Local reactions are common following merthiolate exposure in sensitive individuals, even with precautions.
    • Consideration should be given to replacing merthiolate in vaccines due to potential adverse reactions.