Skin and some systemic complications associated with the use of skin-lightening cosmetics in yaoundé, cameroon (a sub-saharan urban setting): a call for action

CaHReF 2016, Yaoundé Conges hall, 23 – 26 August 2016 , PL154

Voluntary skin depigmentation (VD), a public health problem associated with a high morbidity has not been fully studied in our setting, the basis for advocacy and policy making.

We carried out a cross-sectional study on women who practice VD seen in the dermatology unit of two hospitals in the city of Yaoundé (Cameroon). We studied the socio-demographic characteristics, products used and the mode of utilization, and the associated pathologies. Three logistic regression models were developed in order to determine the factors independently associated with the occurrence of a skin disease, hyperglycaemia, and hypertension.
Result: In all, 146 women aged 18 – 55 years were surveyed. The main products used alone were: hydroquinone (47.9%). The main associations were: topical corticosteroids/hydroquinone (12.3%), topical corticosteroids/hydroquinone/mercury derivatives (10.3%). The most frequently seen complications were; dyschromias (20.7%), acne (16.4%), hirsutism (10.8%), high blood pressure (10.5%), and hyperglycaemia (8%). Monthly income of at least 50.10 USD was associated with a 3-fold risk of skin disease (aOR: 2.92, 95% CI 1.85 – 6.46). VD of at least 4 years’ duration was associated with a 9 fold risk of hyperglycaemia (aOR: 9.35, 95% CI 1.16 – 75.45). Topical corticosteroid use has a 4 fold risk of hyperglycaemia than hydroquinone (aOR: 3.87, 95% CI 1.1 – 13.56). Age greater than 35 years was associated with a 9 fold risk of high blood pressure (aOR: 9.62, 95% CI 3.61 – 25.65).

Voluntary depigmentation exposes users to several skin, aesthetic, and systemic illnesses that constitute the main reasons for dermatologist consultations. Two thirds of adult women surveyed had at least one pathology associated to the use of skin-lightening cosmetic products. As such, it is incumbent on the policy makers to put in place regulations on the sales of these products, and inform users on the potential risks associated with its use.

Voluntary depigmentation, skin-lightening, sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon