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Mercury Poisoning  Linked to Skin Products


Federal health officials are warning consumers not to use skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, or lotions that might contain mercury.

The products are marketed as skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments that remove age spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles, says Gary Coody, national health fraud coordinator in the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Regulatory Affairs. Adolescents also may use these products as acne treatments, adds Coody. Products with this toxic metal have been found in at least seven states.

The products are manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the United States—often in shops in Latino, Asian, African or Middle Eastern neighborhoods and online. Consumers may also have bought them in another country and brought them back to the U.S. for personal use.

“If you have a product that matches these descriptions (and others listed below), stop using it immediately,” says Coody.

“Even though these products are promoted as cosmetics, they also may be unapproved new drugs under the law,” says Linda Katz, M.D., director of FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors. FDA does not allow mercury in drugs or in cosmetics, except under very specific conditions, which these products do not meet.

“Sellers and distributors should not market these illegal products and may be subject to enforcement action, which could include seizure of the products and other legal sanctions,” says attorney Brad Pace, J.D., of the Heath Fraud and Consumer Outreach Branch within FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.






71st Annual Meeting, Miami Beach
ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY 

Gel Manicures Linked to Nail Problems

Gel manicures may be trendy and last longer than traditional polish, but they also may be damaging to the nail and mask disease, warns Chris Adigun, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine in New York.
According to Adigun, gel manicures may cause nail thinning, brittleness, peeling, and cracking with frequent use and can camouflage nail disease if done repeatedly. In addition, women who frequently get gel manicures should consider their skin cancer risk since the UV light needed to cure the gel manicure is a risk factor for skin cancer. Exactly what it is about gel manicures that may cause these issues is not fully understood yet, but for now it is manicure-lover beware.

Celebrating

75 years of promoting skin, hair and nail health

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the

largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membershi

p of more

than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical

and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and

research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.