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Thimerosal Allergies in Adults

Thimerosal has been used as a bacteria-killing preservative and antiseptic in vaccines and medicines since the 1930s, yet has become less common in recent years due to mercury content and associated irritations.

  1. Identification

    • Thimerosal is primarily found in adult and young-adult vaccines, antiseptic sprays, prescription or over-the-counter nasal, eye and throat remedies. Fluorescent dyes may contain concentrations of thimerosal.

    Effects

    • Skin-irritating symptoms of thimerosal allergies in adults include: swelling, redness and blisters, causing itching, burning and localized discomfort at the area of injection or contact.

    Test

    • The Thin-Layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous (T.R.U.E) Test is a skin-patch test that exposes an individual to thimerosal, with positive results appearing as a topical irritation in allergic individuals.

    Warning

    • High concentrations of mercury can be toxic when entering the body. Thimerosal contains ethyl mercury which may lead to allergic reactions in adults.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Adults with thimerosal allergies can be administered alternative vaccines and can take medications with active ingredients other than thimerosal such as Cipro, Afrin and Fluzone. Treatment through oral and topical antihistamines can relieve itching and swelling resulting from thimerosal exposure in allergic adults.

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