Mercury poisoning can present with red coloration of the fingers, toes, and cheeks. This finding is most closely linked to which condition?

• A. Mercury poisoning
• B. Arsenic poisoning
• C. Lead poisoning
• D. Cadmium poisoning

Answer: (A)

The red or pink discoloration of the hands, feet, and face is a classic sign of mercury exposure, known as acrodynia or pink disease. This distinctive skin finding appears especially in children and points strongly to mercury poisoning, because other common heavy metals have different hallmark features.

Arsenic poisoning tends to present with GI symptoms and sometimes hyperpigmentation or neuropathy, but not the characteristic pink extremities. Lead poisoning shows features like abdominal pain, neurodevelopmental effects, and Burtonian lines on the gums rather than a pink, angiodermal rash. Cadmium exposure is more associated with kidney damage and bone problems, not this pink hand/face presentation.

So, the described pink/red coloration most closely indicates mercury poisoning.