Signs and symptoms Mercury poisoning

common symptoms of mercury poisoning include peripheral neuropathy, presenting paresthesia or itching, burning, pain, or sensation resembles small insects crawling on or under skin (formication); skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips , toes); swelling; , desquamation (shedding or peeling of skin).

mercury irreversibly inhibits selenium-dependent enzymes (see below) , may inactivate s-adenosyl-methionine, necessary catecholamine catabolism catechol-o-methyl transferase. due body s inability degrade catecholamines (e.g. epinephrine), person suffering mercury poisoning may experience profuse sweating, tachycardia (persistently faster-than-normal heart beat), increased salivation, , hypertension (high blood pressure).

affected children may show red cheeks, nose , lips, loss of hair, teeth, , nails, transient rashes, hypotonia (muscle weakness), , increased sensitivity light. other symptoms may include kidney dysfunction (e.g. fanconi syndrome) or neuropsychiatric symptoms such emotional lability, memory impairment, or insomnia.

thus, clinical presentation may resemble pheochromocytoma or kawasaki disease. desquamation (skin peeling) can occur severe mercury poisoning acquired handling elemental mercury.