Question 1

can i use merthiolate fo a small staph infected area on my leg?

Accepted Answer

Yes: This can be an effective antibacterial treatment.  Add to it the application of heat from compresses applied 4-5 times per day over the affected area and you are likely to combat this infected area.

Question 2

i was wondering what are merthiolate swabs used for?

Accepted Answer

Antiseptic: These are good, overall antiseptics which will cleanse a wound and kill most bacteria.

Question 3

can merthiolate be used to clean water?

Accepted Answer

Not a good idea: Mercury would not be a good choice to clean water. Depending on the source of water and other circumstances, filtration, chlorination and iodine may be better options.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Question 4

what is tincture merthiolate?

Accepted Answer

Old antiseptic: It was promoted to kill bacteria on little wounds. Soap and water may be more helpful.

Question 5

allergy to thimerosal/merthiolate, what to do?

Accepted Answer

Avoidance: Thimerosal is a common contact allergy, and typically causes rashes. If you have this allergy, it is important to avoid all products containing this substance. Check labels carefully. If a rash develops a corticosteroid cream can shorten the duration.

Question 6

can you tell me how to remove merthiolate tincture from the skin?

Accepted Answer

Give it time: The stuff dyes the keratin. It'll stay for a few days.

Question 7

what are some alternatives if i have an allergy to thimerosal/merthiolate?

Accepted Answer

Avoidance: If it is a true allergy, you should avoid it. I assume the question is in regard to vaccines like the flu shot. There are thimerosal free doses of influenza vaccine that should be safe.

Question 8

is treating a paper cut with merthiolate tinture okay? how long for it to heal?

Accepted Answer

Merthiolate tinture: I didn't know that any one used merthiolate tinture as a first aid antiseptic anymore. It is about 50% alcohol -so it is likely to burn.  Although it could be used - I think that plain soap with warm water would be fine.

Question 9

ive been using tincture of merthiolate for over a week on a wound and today i accidentally swallowed a drop. chances of toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Tincture of merthiolate has different ingredients depending on where and when it was made. The over-the-counter version now likely uses benzalkonium chloride as its active ingredient. In general, one must look at the active ingredient to see if there is any need to worry. That said, eating one drop of an over-the-counter skin antiseptic in the US is unlikely to do anything bad.

Question 10

can you tell me about mercurochrome iodine or merthiolate and are they still manufactured today?

Accepted Answer

Mercurochrome. : I don't think so.   I hope not because it has mercury, which is a very toxic heavy metal.

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Doctor answers about:

Merthiolate uses

A member asked:

Can i use merthiolate fo a small staph infected area on my leg?

A member asked:

I was wondering what are merthiolate swabs used for?

A member asked:

Can merthiolate be used to clean water?

A member asked:

What is tincture merthiolate?

A member asked:

Allergy to thimerosal/merthiolate, what to do?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how to remove merthiolate tincture from the skin?

A member asked:

What are some alternatives if i have an allergy to thimerosal/merthiolate?

A member asked:

Is treating a paper cut with merthiolate tinture okay? how long for it to heal?

A member asked:

Ive been using tincture of merthiolate for over a week on a wound and today i accidentally swallowed a drop. chances of toxicity?

A member asked:

Can you tell me about mercurochrome iodine or merthiolate and are they still manufactured today?

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