ILDS calls for global action as misuse of topical corticosteroids for skin bleaching grows
Key takeaways:
- The International League of Dermatological Societies has stated the misuse of topical corticosteroids for skin bleaching is a “growing global public health crisis.”
- It has released recommendations for reform.
The International League of Dermatological Societies has released an updated position statement on the use of topical corticosteroids in response to the rapidly growing misuse of these medicines in skin bleaching products.
“Potent topical corticosteroids are used in some parts of the world as a skin bleaching agent,” Henry W. Lim, MD, president of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), told Healio. “This is especially common in parts of Africa and South Asia, where potent topical corticosteroids can be obtained without prescription.”
Fueled by sociocultural pressures that prefer lighter skin tones, the demand for skin bleaching products has skyrocketed globally, with the industry expected to reach $15.5 billion by 2032. Often sold without the knowledge of medical authorities, facial skin bleaching products can contain potent or super-potent corticosteroids — the use of which can result in adverse events.
In its statement, the ILDS labeled this situation as a “growing global public health crisis that demands urgent action,” and warned of adverse events that accompany the misuse of these products.
“Side effects of these agents, specifically, include acne, marked skin thinning, dilation of blood vessels and extensive stretch marks,” Lim said, while the statement outlined other side effects as well, including treatment-resistant fungal infections, irreversible skin damage, systemic side effects and negative impacts on mental health. “The development of skin cancer has also been reported.”
Although this is not commonly seen in the United States, according to Lim, individuals who have immigrated from other parts of the world where this practice is common may still misuse these products.
“In the U.S., potent topical corticosteroids can be obtained only by prescription,” Lim said. “Therefore, unsupervised and unregulated use of these agents does not occur. Ideally, similar regulations should be placed in other parts of the world.”
In addition to stricter regulations, the ILDS also calls for clearer guidelines to protect patients and the public from the misuse of topical corticosteroids, improved patient and public education of the dangers of skin bleaching and advocacy efforts to promote safer dermatological practices globally, according to the release.
For more information:
Henry W. Lim, MD, can be reached at dermatology@healio.com.
Perspective
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Excessive skin bleaching in these regions (Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean) highlights the damaging societal pressure to achieve a lighter skin tone. Colorism has contributed to the misuse and overuse of skin bleaching, and the multibillion-dollar industry further promotes the use of skin bleaching. Unfortunately, patients are often unaware of the ingredients included in these bleaching agents that can be harmful to their skin and overall health. The inclusion of high-potency topical steroids, which are typically cautiously prescribed and carefully counseled by practicing dermatologists, should not be allowed in these products that are so readily accessible.
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