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The Department of Health (DH) today (August 6) appealed to members of the public not to buy or use a cosmetic cream called "Santen" as it may contain excessive mercury, which is dangerous to health.
The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification of a case of thrombocytopenia from the Hospital Authority (HA) involving a 36-year-old female patient. The DH commenced an investigation immediately.
"The patient sought medical treatment from a General Outpatient Clinic on July 5 because of bruises over her limbs. Her blood test showed a low platelet count and she was thus referred to Kwong Wah Hospital for further investigation on July 6. She was discharged from hospital after treatment on July 8. Her clinical features were compatible with immune thrombocytopenic purpura and its cause will require further investigation. She described a history of use of the above product for about three months before admission," a DH spokesman said.
"The patient submitted a cosmetic cream to the HA for testing and the test result showed that the level of mercury was 14 419 times the acceptable level. A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient obtained the product indirectly from a friend and the exact source remains unknown. The DH's investigation is continuing," the spokesman added.
"Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, deterioration of memory, difficulty in concentration, impaired hearing and vision, and change in the ability to taste. In the most severe cases, renal failure may occur," the spokesman said.
"As the level of mercury in the product is 14 419 times the acceptable level, use of the product may cause serious side effects. People who have used the above product should stop using it immediately and consult health-care professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt. Members of the public are urged not to buy or use cosmetic products of unknown composition or from doubtful sources," the spokesman added.
Ends/Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:49
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