At some point in your childhood, a scraped knee was probably treated with a small bottle of red or colorless liquid. Merbromin and thimerosal were almost mandatory in the “first-aid kit” of every Brazilian home, seen as the immediate solution for any cut or scrape. This belief, passed down from generation to generation, solidified these products as synonymous with care and protection.

The stinging sensation was almost a rite of passage, a sign that the medication was “_working_” and fighting germs. This association between pain and effectiveness created a powerful mental trigger. We trusted these antiseptics blindly, without questioning their real composition or the effects they could have on our bodies. They were simply part of our health culture, an unquestionable truth passed down by parents and grandparents.

Imagine, then, the surprise and distrust of many when, in 2001, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) banned the sale of antiseptics containing mercury. Suddenly, that familial care was labeled as dangerous. This drastic change not only shook the contents of first-aid kits but also questioned deeply rooted beliefs about what is safe and effective for our health.

This story about merbromin, thimerosal, and other beliefs serves as a powerful metaphor for the work we do at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis. It perfectly illustrates how our minds can operate based on automatic “truths” that, when examined by science, prove to be not only outdated but even harmful. What was once considered a solution is now seen as a risk.

In this article, we will explore the history behind these products, the scientific reasons for their prohibition, and, more importantly, use this example to discuss how beliefs about health are formed. We will connect this reflection to the universe of scientific hypnosis, showing how it can be a fundamental tool for health professionals to help their patients re-evaluate and modify automatic thoughts and behaviors that impact their physical and emotional well-being.

The ‘First-Aid Kit’ of the Past and the Legacy of Mercury

Merbromin and thimerosal have a rich and often nostalgic history in Brazil, being part of the so-called home “first-aid kit” that accompanied generations. Used in homes since the mid-20th century, these products became cultural icons of care and protection regarding small wounds and injuries. Merbromin, present in merbromin, and thimerosal, present in thimerosal, contained mercury compounds that, while highly effective in their antiseptic use, raise serious safety concerns.

The popularity of these products stemmed not only from their effectiveness but also from the tradition and visual appearance they promoted. The characteristic red hue of merbromin not only caught attention but also seemed to indicate that the wound was being treated. For many families, it was a common ritual to apply these remedies to children, creating a sense of safety and care, even when the actual effectiveness of the products was unproven.

However, the coexistence with merbromin and thimerosal illustrates a time when collective health beliefs prevailed, before scientific intervention and awareness of the risks associated with mercury. Care traditions undergo significant re-evaluation as science advances, teaching that safety must always be prioritized over visual comfort.

Science Enters the Scene: Why Were They Banned?

The ban on merbromin and thimerosal by ANVISA is based on significant scientific reasons. The first and most crucial of these is the neurotoxic potential of mercury, a component present in both products. Mercury can be absorbed through the skin, especially in open wounds, which poses a high risk, particularly for children, who have more sensitive and permeable skin. This absorption can lead to adverse effects on neurological development.

Moreover, the use of these products can mask infections, allowing health issues to worsen without proper treatment. Despite being famous for their antiseptic effect, studies show that this effectiveness is inferior compared to safer alternatives. This highlights the need to revisit old concepts about disinfection and wound care.

The table below presents a contrast between past practices and current recommendations for wound care:

• Old Practices: Use of merbromin/thimerosal
• Current Recommendations: Cleaning with water and mild soap; use of modern antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine

These changes reflect an advancement in scientific understanding of wound treatment and the importance of advocating methods that not only protect but also promote the health of all.

Beyond Antiseptics: The Power of Beliefs in Health

When we talk about merbromin and thimerosal, it is essential to realize that it is not just about antiseptics, but about a complex web of beliefs, traditions, and practices that have been shaped over time. Merbromin, for example, is more than just a product; it carries with it a rich cultural baggage that has influenced generations. Many of these beliefs, rooted in family and social experiences, are often accepted without question, leading to the perpetuation of habits that are not always supported by science.

These ideas act as mental shortcuts, known in cognitive psychology as heuristics. They allow us to make quick decisions but can lead us to ineffective or even harmful health practices. An example of this is the belief that merbromin can heal wounds when, in fact, its effectiveness is questionable and its risks well documented. Confirmation bias also plays a role; we tend to seek information that reinforces what we already believe, ignoring contrary evidence.

Re-evaluating these automatic ‘truths’ is a crucial step toward truly evidence-based health. By questioning and investigating, we are not only seeking safer and more effective practices but also opening space for a more critical and reflective approach to care and treatments. Only then can we advance in promoting better health, free from myths and based on true science.

Scientific Hypnosis and the Re-evaluation of Automatic Responses

Scientific hypnosis offers an innovative approach to re-evaluating beliefs and automatic behaviors, which often form the basis of our limiting reactions. By accessing a state of focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, hypnosis provides a pathway to explore and modify these beliefs, similar to how science has demystified the use of merbromin and thimerosal by revealing their limitations and risks.

Through therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis can “update” our way of interpreting and reacting to stimuli, helping to overcome automatic responses that can result in stress and anxiety. The practice emphasizes the view of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis: “Everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help.” This statement highlights that many emotional problems are driven by these automatic reactions, and hypnosis offers an effective tool to face them ethically and professionally.

It is important to remember that hypnosis is not a magic solution but a technique that, when applied rigorously and based on evidence, can enhance other health treatments. Qualified professionals have the responsibility to use hypnosis ethically, without unrealistic promises, always respecting its limits and avoiding any form of quackery.

Thus, scientific hypnosis stands out as a valuable resource in re-evaluating health beliefs, aiding in the transformation of harmful habits and promoting a safer path to well-being.

Conclusion

The journey of merbromin and thimerosal, from indispensable items to banned products, is a powerful lesson about the evolution of science and the importance of questioning our own certainties. What was once a symbol of care now represents a risk that evidence-based medicine has helped us avoid. This transition does not diminish the affection of those who applied the red antiseptic but illuminates the need to keep our health practices always aligned with current knowledge.

This same logic profoundly applies to emotional health and the functioning of the mind. Many of our responses to stress, anxiety, and pain are, like the use of merbromin, automatic learned behaviors that we follow without questioning their real effectiveness. We believe certain reactions are inevitable when, in fact, they are just patterns that can be re-evaluated and transformed.

It is precisely at this point that scientific hypnosis reveals itself as an extraordinary tool for health professionals. It offers an ethical and effective means to help people direct their focus, reduce automatic reactivity, and develop new cognitive and behavioral strategies. Unlike quackery or miraculous promises, scientific hypnosis enhances validated treatments, acting as a catalyst for therapeutic change.

For you, who seek to help people and long for tools that expand your professional impact, understanding this mechanism is essential. Just as we abandoned mercury for safer alternatives, we can help our patients replace dysfunctional mental patterns with healthier and more adaptive responses. Enhancing emotional health is the next big step in the evolution of care.

Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even to have a new profession? Discover the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main risks associated with merbromin and thimerosal?

The main risks of merbromin and thimerosal are related to the presence of mercury. This component can be absorbed through the skin, especially in open wounds, posing a risk of neurotoxicity, especially in children. Additionally, these products can mask infections, worsening health problems and hindering proper treatment.

Why did ANVISA ban the use of merbromin and thimerosal?

ANVISA banned merbromin and thimerosal due to scientific evidence showing the dangers of mercury present in these products. The guidance was to ensure that public health was protected, considering the potential adverse effects on neurological development, especially in children.

What to use instead of merbromin and thimerosal for wound care?

Currently, it is recommended to clean wounds with water and mild soap. After cleaning, safer alternatives, such as chlorhexidine, can be applied. These practices provide effective protection without the risks associated with mercury, promoting health and safety when treating injuries.

How do beliefs about merbromin and thimerosal influence our health?

Beliefs surrounding merbromin and thimerosal shape our perception of safety and effectiveness in wound care. Often, accepting them without question can lead to health practices that are not evidence-based, perpetuating habits that may be harmful and less effective.

What is the role of scientific hypnosis in re-evaluating health beliefs?

Scientific hypnosis can assist in the re-evaluation of beliefs and automatic responses about health. It provides a way to explore and modify limiting behaviors. Thus, hypnosis offers a therapeutic approach to develop more critical perceptions aligned with the best evidence-based practices, promoting emotional well-being.