Hong Kong’s Department of Health (DH) is calling on residents to be vigilant when purchasing medication for skin conditions while abroad, after three locals were hospitalised with heavy metal poisoning.
“Upon notification by the Hospital Authority, we immediately commenced investigations. Laboratory testing has so far detected excessive amounts of arsenic or mercury in samples submitted by the three patients,” a spokesman for the DH said.
The first patient, a 16-year-old girl, was admitted to hospital between June 23 and Aug. 5 for limb numbness. She was apparently prescribed tablets for eczema by someone claiming to be a doctor in Thailand. Her urine sample contained a high amount of arsenic.
The second patient, also female, was hospitalised for four days from Aug. 13 for numbness, skin pigmentation, weight loss and, rather randomly, increased hair on her legs.
The same symptoms were suffered by a 27-year-old man between June 7 and 9.
Both had reportedly visited a man who claimed to be a Chinese medicine practitioner while on a tour to Donguan, Guangdong. The trip was reportedly organised by an agent in Hong Kong, and the pair was seeking treatment for psoriasis.
As well as numbness, tingling and muscle cramps, ingestion of arsenic can also cause death, while chronic exposure to mercury can damage the nervous system and cause kidney failure.
“The public should consult qualified healthcare professionals for chronic skin conditions. When seeking consultation outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure that they are qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practicing. In case of medications obtained from suspicious or similar sources as reported above, stop further use of them and promptly seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals if experiencing discomfort after consumption,” the spokesman advised.
Photo: Charles Williams
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