Journal ArticleDOI
Use of skin-lightening products among selected urban communities in Accra, Ghana.
Margaret Lartey,Margaret Lartey,Francis D. Krampa,Mubarak Abdul-Rahman,Naa Larteley Quarcoo,P. Yamson,Paa Gyasi Hagan,Yao Tettey,RK Gyasi,Andrew A. Adjei +9 more
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TLDR
In Ghana, anecdotal reports of high bleaching rates among certain urban communities resulted in a study supported by the Food and Drugs Authority to determine various facets of this practice.Abstract:
Background
The practice of skin lightening has been reported from North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In literature, some prevalence rates exceed 50%, and both sexes are involved. Common agents used include hydroquinone, mercury, corticosteroids, and caustic agents. The agents are easily accessible and affordable with very little regulation. Cutaneous and systemic side effects occur but do not appear to be a deterrent, as the notion of light skin as a surrogate for beauty is strong. In Ghana, anecdotal reports of high bleaching rates among certain urban communities resulted in a study supported by the Food and Drugs Authority to determine various facets of this practice.
Methods
A cross-sectional study among adults in selected urban fishing communities of Accra was undertaken. Consecutive cases were enrolled after written informed consent. A questionnaire was administered, followed by physical examination and clinical photographs. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results
Of the 555 participants from the three communities, prevalence was 279 (50.3%). Duration of use ranged from 2 months to 17 years. Approximately 212 (76%) used more than one product, and 231 (82%) used agents on their face and body. Dermatological features were hypopigmentation 270 (96.8%), other color changes including ochronosis 241 (86.4%), changes in consistency 141 (50.3%), striae 157 (56.3%), and infections 42 (15.1%).
Conclusions
The prevalence of skin bleaching was 50.3% in these communities, which is high considering the adverse effects from the practice. We recommend regulation of products by enforcing the law, more education, and a population prevalence study.read more
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
Modulators of mercury risk to wildlife and humans in the context of rapid global change
Collin A. Eagles-Smith,Ellen K. Silbergeld,Niladri Basu,Paco Bustamante,Fernando Díaz-Barriga,William A. Hopkins,Karen A. Kidd,Jennifer F. Nyland +7 more
TL;DR: This paper examines the role that key extrinsic and intrinsic drivers play on several aspects of Hg risk to humans and organisms in the environment, and addresses how the adverse health effects of HG in humans and wildlife are modulated by a range of extrinso- intrinsic drivers within the context of rapid global change.
Journal ArticleDOI
The global prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching: a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis
Dominic Sagoe,Ståle Pallesen,Ncoza C. Dlova,Margaret Lartey,Margaret Lartey,Khaled Ezzedine,Ophelia E. Dadzie +6 more
TL;DR: To estimate and investigate the global lifetime prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching, the objective was to establish a database of known cases of bleaching and to investigate the relationships between these cases and mortality.
Journal ArticleDOI
The dark side of skin lightening: An international collaboration and review of a public health issue affecting dermatology.
Samara E. Pollock,Samara E. Pollock,Susan C. Taylor,Oyetewa Oyerinde,Sabrina Nurmohamed,Ncoza C. Dlova,Rashmi Sarkar,Hassan Galadari,Mônica Manela-Azulay,Hae Shin Chung,Evangeline Handog,Evangeline Handog,A. Shadi Kourosh +12 more
TL;DR: An international team of dermatologists tackles the topic of SL as a global public health issue, one of great concern for both women’s health and racial implications, and aims to inspire a global discourse on how modern dermatologists can utilize scientific evidence and cultural competency to serve and protect patients of diverse skin types and backgrounds.
Journal ArticleDOI
Skin lighteners and hair relaxers as risk factors for breast cancer: results from the Ghana breast health study.
Louise A. Brinton,Jonine D. Figueroa,Daniel Ansong,Kofi Mensah Nyarko,Seth Wiafe,Joel Yarney,Richard B. Biritwum,Michelle Brotzman,Jake E. Thistle,Ernest Adjei,Francis Aitpillah,Florence Dedey,Lawrence Edusei,Nicholas Titiloye,Baffour Awuah,Joe-Nat Clegg-Lamptey,Joe-Nat Clegg-Lamptey,Beatrice Wiafe-Addai,Verna Vanderpuye +18 more
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of skin lighteners and hair relaxers on breast cancer risk were investigated in women of African descent, and the results showed that hair relaxer use was associated with higher risk of breast cancer than skin lightener.
Journal ArticleDOI
Misuse of Topical Corticosteroids for Cosmetic Purpose in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Fandresena Arilala Sendrasoa,Irina Mamisoa Ranaivo,M. Andrianarison,O. Raharolahy,N.H. Razanakoto,Lala Soavina Ramarozatovo,F. Rapelanoro Rabenja +6 more
TL;DR: Pandalao,” which contains salicylic acid, peppermint oil, lanolin, powder of Juanes de Vigo (mercury powder), and Vaseline, is the most handcrafted cosmetic combined with TC in the authors' study (used by 29,4% respondents).
References
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Journal ArticleDOI
Skin diseases associated with the cosmetic use of bleaching products in women from Dakar, Senegal.
A Mahé,F. Ly,G Aymard,J M Dangou +3 more
TL;DR: The cosmetic use of bleaching products is considered a common practice in dark‐skinned women from sub‐Saharan Africa, but there are few studies on this subject.
Journal ArticleDOI
Complications of chronic use of skin lightening cosmetics
YM Olumide,Ayesha Akinkugbe,Dan Altraide,Tahir Mohammed,Ngozi Ahamefule,Shola Ayanlowo,Chinwe Onyekonwu,Nyomudim Essen +7 more
TL;DR: Skin lightening (bleaching) cosmetics and toiletries are widely used in most African countries and the active ingredients in these cosmetic products are hydroquinone, mercury and corticosteroids.
Journal ArticleDOI
Exogenous ochronosis and pigmented colloid milium from hydroquinone bleaching creams.
TL;DR: The study presented here covers the clinical, histological, histochemical, electron microscopical and pathogenetic features as seen in thirty‐five cases of hydroquinone damage to the dermis in South Africa.
Journal ArticleDOI
The toxicology of hydroquinone--relevance to occupational and environmental exposure.
TL;DR: Hydroquinone is a high-volume commodity chemical used as a reducing agent, antioxidant, polymerization inhibitor, and chemical intermediate that is also used in over-the-counter drugs as an ingredient in skin lighteners and is a natural ingredient in many plant-derived products.
Journal ArticleDOI
The widespread use of skin lightening creams in Senegal: a persistent public health problem in West Africa
Pascal Del Giudice,Pinier Yves +1 more
TL;DR: A large number of women in some African countries use skin lightening creams, and the long‐term use of certain products for several months to years may cause cutaneous adverse effects.