Antoine Mahé1. 1. Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Pasteur, Colmar, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Using skin-lightening compounds for a cosmetic purpose that are normally restricted to medical use or forbidden has become a world-wide practice. Complications are numerous. Immigrant communities often import their practice from their original country. METHODS: A review of the literature on the subject of complications of cosmetic skin-bleaching, with special focus on data concerning immigrants originating from highly endemic countries, was conducted. RESULTS: Complications of cosmetic skin-bleaching are common, involving mainly the skin although some general complications are also reported with a growing incidence. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of this practice, added to the frequency of various complications, suggests it might be considered as a genuine public health problem currently.
BACKGROUND: Using skin-lightening compounds for a cosmetic purpose that are normally restricted to medical use or forbidden has become a world-wide practice. Complications are numerous. Immigrant communities often import their practice from their original country. METHODS: A review of the literature on the subject of complications of cosmetic skin-bleaching, with special focus on data concerning immigrants originating from highly endemic countries, was conducted. RESULTS: Complications of cosmetic skin-bleaching are common, involving mainly the skin although some general complications are also reported with a growing incidence. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of this practice, added to the frequency of various complications, suggests it might be considered as a genuine public health problem currently.
Authors: Susanna D Mitro; MyDzung T Chu; Robin E Dodson; Gary Adamkiewicz; Lucy Chie; Florence M Brown; Tamarra M James-Todd Journal: J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol Date: 2018-03-23 Impact factor: 5.563