Use of skin-lightening products among selected urban communities in Accra, Ghana

Lartey, Margaret; Krampa, Francis D.; Abdul-Rahman, Mubarak; Quarcoo, Naa L.; Yamson, Phaedra; Hagan, Paa Gyasi; Tettey, Yao; Gyasi, Richard K.; Adjei, Andrew A.

doi:10.1111/ijd.13449

Cited by 29 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 22 publications

(59 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…As in Accra Ghana [ 13 ], pigmentation disorders were the commonest adverse effects in our study. People with types IV to VI (like Malagasy people) are particularly affected by hypopigmentation; however, it is not noticed frequently in very light skinned individuals [ 14 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

Misuse of Topical Corticosteroids for Cosmetic Purpose in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Sendrasoa¹,

Ranaivo²,

Andrianarison³

et al. 2017

BioMed Research International

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from June to September 2012. We aim to evaluate the misuse of TC on the face for cosmetic purpose and the adverse effects due to its application. A questionnaire-based analysis was done among females who use topical corticosteroids on the face for cosmetic purpose. Of the 770 women questioned, 384 (49,8%) used topical corticosteroids for cosmetic purpose whose mean age was 38 years (range 16–73 years). Two hundred and sixty-one females (68%) used TC combined with handcrafted cosmetics, and 123 (32%) used TC alone. “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 our study (used by 29,4% respondents). Only one (0,26%) had obtained the TC by physician's prescription, 234 (61%) from cosmetic retailers, 92 (23%) directly from local pharmacies, 49 (12%) from beauticians, and 15 (4%) from unspecified sources. Lightening of skin color was the main reason for using TC in 44,8% of respondents in the absence of any primary dermatosis. Pigmentation disorders (63,2%) and cutaneous atrophy (52,1%) were the most adverse effects noted.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

Misuse of Topical Corticosteroids for Cosmetic Purpose in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Sendrasoa¹,

Ranaivo²,

Andrianarison³

et al. 2017

BioMed Research International

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…It is tenable that urban and semiurban residents in nonwestern cultural contexts have higher exposure to western images of ‘lighter beauty’ and skin bleaching advertisements and products and are more exposed to the Internet as well as social media, activities, and festivities. It has been argued that this phenomenon is related to the high skin bleaching prevalence among urban and semiurban residents who aim at meeting ‘lighter’ standards of beauty and enhancing their perceived appearance at social events . It has also been indicated that rural work such as farming exposes people to ultraviolet radiation with subsequent darkening of skin.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The global prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching: a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis

et al. 2018

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Cultural norms, traditions, and religious ceremonies are additional extrinsic drivers that can influence Hg exposure (particularly to Hg 0 and Hg II ) in certain human populations. Application of Hg-containing skin-lightening creams to achieve desired physical appearances is a common practice in some populations, with prevalence rates as high as 50% in some countries (Dlova et al 2015 ; Gbetoh and Amyot 2016 ; Lartey et al 2017 ). Unregulated products often contain either Hg or calomel, or Hg is intentionally added by the user (Copan et al 2015 ).…”

Section: Domain 2: Global Extrinsic and Individual/molecular-level Inmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modulators of mercury risk to wildlife and humans in the context of rapid global change

Eagles‐Smith

Silbergeld

Basu

et al. 2018

Ambio

290

163

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Environmental mercury (Hg) contamination is an urgent global health threat. The complexity of Hg in the environment can hinder accurate determination of ecological and human health risks, particularly within the context of the rapid global changes that are altering many ecological processes, socioeconomic patterns, and other factors like infectious disease incidence, which can affect Hg exposures and health outcomes. However, the success of global Hg-reduction efforts depends on accurate assessments of their effectiveness in reducing health risks. In this paper, we examine the role that key extrinsic and intrinsic drivers play on several aspects of Hg risk to humans and organisms in the environment. We do so within three key domains of ecological and human health risk. First, we examine how extrinsic global change drivers influence pathways of Hg bioaccumulation and biomagnification through food webs. Next, we describe how extrinsic socioeconomic drivers at a global scale, and intrinsic individual-level drivers, influence human Hg exposure. Finally, we address how the adverse health effects of Hg in humans and wildlife are modulated by a range of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers within the context of rapid global change. Incorporating components of these three domains into research and monitoring will facilitate a more holistic understanding of how ecological and societal drivers interact to influence Hg health risks.

show abstract

Use of skin-lightening products among selected urban communities in Accra, Ghana

Abstract: 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.

Cited by 29 publications

References 22 publications

Misuse of Topical Corticosteroids for Cosmetic Purpose in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Misuse of Topical Corticosteroids for Cosmetic Purpose in Antananarivo, Madagascar

The global prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching: a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis

Modulators of mercury risk to wildlife and humans in the context of rapid global change

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About