Not Medical Advice: If you mean Merthiolate, it was banned sometime in the late 1990s as it seems to contain worrisome ingredient known as Thimerosal, a compound containing mercury and sodium.
Merthiolate poisoning occurs when large amounts of the substance are swallowed or come in contact with your skin. Poisoning may also occur if you are exposed to small amounts of Merthiolate constantly over a long period of time.
If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
The idea of loading up your open wounds with chemicals — even if they are FDA approved — can seem a little sketchy. If you want to try the all-natural route, you've got options—a few of which are probably already in your kitchen.
Check out these 5 natural remedies for cuts and scrapes shared by Prevention.com.