Hautarzt. 1994 Oct; 45(10): 708-10.

[Exacerbation of pustular psoriasis in mercury poisoning]

Wehner-Caroli J, Scherwitz C, Schweinsberg F, Fierlbeck G.

Abteilung Dermatologie, Universitäts-Hautklinik, Tübingen.

A patient suffering from long-standing pustular psoriasis of the palms was treated for 3 weeks with a mercury-containing drug. Exacerbation into generalized pustular psoriasis developed. Mercury levels in blood and urine were increased. After withdrawal of the mercury preparation, therapy with DMPA (2,3-Dimercapto-1-propane-sulfonic acid), a mercury antidote, was initiated, together with short-term treatment with aromatic retinoids and PUVA. Within a few days mercury levels decreased significantly and the skin lesions practically disappeared.