Skin scare: Consumers should avoid cosmetic cream EMEL SKIN CARE which has excess mercury levels.

Consumers should avoid cosmetic cream EMEL SKIN CARE which has excess mercury levels, the Department of Health says. The case has been referred to Customs for follow-up action.

The appeal follows the report of a suspected mercury poisoning involving a 43-year-old woman who consulted a private doctor about a month ago for dermatitis around her mouth and numbness over left side of her body. She was found to have a high level of mercury in her blood. Her condition is stable and has not been hospitalised.

She said she used EMEL SKIN CARE Nos.3, 4, 7 and 8 in the past six months, obtained from a promotion counter in Lei Muk Shue Estate shopping centre.

Mercury damages the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, difficulty concentrating, impaired hearing and vision, and changes in taste. In most severe cases renal failure can occur.

Call the department's hotline 2768 9798 for health advice.