The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) has raise alarm over the misuse of topical corticosteroids in skin-bleaching products.
The dermatologists also called for a global action to address the issue.
Prof. Henry Lim, President, ILDS, in a statement, emphasised the need for safe and appropriate use of topical corticosteroids.
According to him, this will improved patient protection and education.
Lim described skin-bleaching as an escalating global public health crisis that requires immediate attention.
He said the harmful practice is widespread in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean.
According to him, these regions are where socio-cultural pressures favor lighter skin tones.
He said the demand drove the global skin-bleaching industry to expand and is expected to reach $15.5 billion by 2032.
“In some countries, facial skin-bleaching products often containing potent or super-potent corticosteroids,”
Lim added that these products frequently sell without medical supervision, posing severe risks to public health..
He warned that the misuse of corticosteroid-based bleaching agents could lead to treatment-resistant and fungal infections.
“it can lead to irreversible skin damage, systemic side effects and negative impacts on mental health”,
He called for urgent action, advocating for stricter regulations and enforcement to ban the use of monotherapy or fixed-dose combinations.
According to him, there should be a prescription from a qualified health practitioner.
“A clearer guidelines to protect patients and the public from the risks of overuse and misuse of potent topical corticosteroids.
“Improved patient and public education on the dangers of skin-bleaching and advocacy efforts to promote safer dermatological practices globally.”
“ILDS, leading global advocate for skin health, is dedicated to advancing education, clinical care and research to address dermatological challenge.
Checks on Skin-bleaching Products
Dr Ramesha Bhat, Professor of Dermatology and Head of Research at Father Muller Medical College in Kankanady, Mangalore, India, contributed.
Bhat highlighted the public health concern over misuse of over-the-counter skin-bleaching creams containing corticosteroids.
He explained that misuse of combination creams, which contain potent corticosteroids, as antifungal treatments, was exacerbating the problem.
“When used this way, these creams offer temporary relief but it will ultimately worsen the condition by suppressing the body’s immune response.
“Unregulated access and misleading marketing fuel this crisis, particularly in communities that culturally prefer lighter skin.
“We urge national governments to enforce stricter regulations, promote the responsible use of corticosteroids.
“also, ban the sale of potent topical corticosteroid combinations marketed as skin-lightening or antifungal treatments,” he said.
Skin-bleaching reaching epidemic level
Dr Ncoza Dlova, Head of Dermatology, University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, expressed concern over the alarming rise of skin-bleaching.
Dlova described the situation as reaching epidemic levels.
She noted that there has been an increase in reported cases of squamous cell carcinoma, raising significant health concerns.
“The dermatology community must unite to tackle this issue.
“Both through education and addressing the socio-political factors that contribute to this practice,” she said.
