Can children use cinnabar to paint their face?

Sep 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, it is not recommended to apply cinnabar on children's faces, as it may irritate the skin. Cinnabar primarily consists of mercury sulfide, and mercury is a toxic heavy metal. Prolonged exposure or inhalation of its dust can lead to serious health problems, including damage to the nervous system and potential adverse effects on children's development. Direct application on a child's skin may cause irritation and inflammation.

Generally, it is not recommended to apply cinnabar on children's faces, as it may irritate the skin. The reasons are as follows:

Cinnabar primarily consists of mercury sulfide. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal, and prolonged exposure or inhalation of its dust can lead to serious health problems, including damage to the nervous system and potential adverse effects on children's development. Direct application on a child's skin may cause irritation and inflammation. Therefore, cinnabar should not be applied directly onto the skin.

When children develop skin conditions such as heat rash or eczema, doctors might recommend topical ointments containing cinnabar for treatment. However, because cinnabar contains heavy metals, caution must be taken during use to prevent accidental ingestion or prolonged contact by children. If cinnabar is needed at home, non-toxic and safe alternatives should be considered instead to ensure children's health is not compromised.

In daily life, it is important to maintain facial cleanliness and proper moisturization for children, avoiding any potential irritants that could affect their health.