The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently reported a case of mercury poisoning linked to the use of a contaminated skin lightening cream. Authorities advise consumers to purchase cosmetics only in sealed containers from reputable retailers and to avoid products that appear altered. Those who suspect exposure to mercury through skin creams should contact their healthcare provider or the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.
In June 2024, a family from West Texas was exposed to mercury via a skin cream product bought in Mexico. The product, labeled as Nunn skin cream, did not list mercury as an ingredient. Following its use, one family member developed mild nonspecific symptoms. This incident is part of a broader pattern; both Texas and other states have previously identified cases of mercury poisoning related to skin creams.
Mercury is sometimes added to skin creams claiming to lighten the skin, treat acne, or fade freckles, blemishes, and age spots. These products are often manufactured abroad and may be tampered with by third parties before being sold illegally in the United States. They are frequently found in shops serving Latino, Asian, African, or Middle Eastern communities or promoted on social media and mobile apps.
Mercury poses significant health risks for both adults and children, particularly for pregnant women and nursing mothers due to the potential transfer to fetuses and infants.
Symptoms of mercury poisoning can be non-specific and challenging to diagnose. General symptoms include shaking, tremors, impaired balance or coordination, headaches, hypertension, depression, insomnia, weight loss, fatigue, nervousness, irritability, anxiety, memory loss, difficulty concentrating or numbness or tingling in hands feet and lips.
In children prolonged exposure may cause excessive salivation or thirst inflammation of the gums irritability anorexia poor muscle tone leg cramps hypertension rash peeling or flaking skin or pink extremities such as hands and feet Long-term exposure can damage the gastrointestinal tract nervous system kidneys presenting additional symptoms like extreme fatigue muscle aches weakness sores in the mouth
Healthcare providers are advised to:
- Consider inorganic mercury exposure from skin lightening products when diagnosing renal dermatologic neurologic diseases
- Ask patients suspected of mercury poisoning if they use such products purchased abroad
- Urge patients who bought unsealed products from non-major retailers overseas to stop use immediately
- Contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on medical management
For those suspected of using mercury-containing creams DSHS recommends healthcare providers conduct blood urine tests for mercury contact public health authorities for product testing assistance
Consumers should only buy skincare products in original sealed containers from reputable retailers avoid purchasing these items at swap meets flea markets from individual online sellers Avoid using products listing ingredients like “mercury” “mercurio” “calomel” mercurous chloride If you suspect having been exposed contact your healthcare provider or call 1-800-222-1222
To see tested products containing mercury visit:
– California Department of Health
(PDF) - Minnesota Department of Health
– New York City Department of Health
If individuals possess such creams they should discard closed containers at household hazardous waste facilities If unavailable tightly close place in sealed zipper bag label “Mercury: Do Not Touch” discard with household garbage For facility locations visit:
For questions about medical management related to mercury poisoning contact Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 To report cases ask about proper disposal contact DSHS Environmental Surveillance Toxicology Branch at 512-776-7269
