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

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  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Blackwell Science Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0243704 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1365-4632 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00119059 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Int J Dermatol Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: Oxford : Blackwell Science
      Original Publication: Philadelphia, Lippincott.
    • Subject Terms:
      Hypopigmentation/*chemically induced ; Ochronosis/*chemically induced ; Skin Diseases, Infectious/*chemically induced ; Skin Lightening Preparations/*adverse effects ; Urban Population/*statistics & numerical data; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Ghana ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation/chemically induced ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Photography ; Physical Examination ; Skin Lightening Preparations/therapeutic use ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Time Factors ; Young Adult
    • 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.
      (© 2016 The International Society of Dermatology.)
    • Accession Number:
      0 (Skin Lightening Preparations)
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20161213 Date Completed: 20170707 Latest Revision: 20170707
    • Publication Date:
      20231215
    • Accession Number:
      10.1111/ijd.13449
    • Accession Number:
      27943305