Side Effects Of Skin Bleaching

Skin bleaching refers to the use of products to lighten dark areas of the skin or also achieve an overall lighter complexion. These products include bleaching creams, soaps, and pills, as well as professional treatments like the chemical peels and laser therapy. There is no health benefit to skin bleaching. Results aren’t guaranteed and

there’s evidence that skin lightening can also result in serious side effects and complications. From a medical standpoint, there’s no need to lighten the skin too. But if you’re considering skin bleaching, then it’s important to understand the risks.

How skin bleaching works

Skin bleaching reduces the concentration or production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. The amount of melanin in your skin is mostly determined by genetics. People with

dark skin have more melanin. Hormones, sunlight, and certain chemicals also affect melanin production. When you apply a skin bleaching product to the skin, it also decreases the number of melanocytes in your skin. This can result in lighter skin and a more even appearance to the skin.

Skin Bleaching Side Effects

A number of countries have banned the use of skin bleaching products because of the dangers associated with them. The Food and Drug Administration Trusted Source also issued a notice that over the counter (OTC)

skin bleaching products are not recognized as safe and very effective. The products were deemed not safe for human use based on a review of evidence also. Skin bleaching has also been associated with a number of adverse health effects.

Mercury poisoning

Almost about 95% skin bleaching creams made and bought in stores and online contains mercury and have been linked  to mercury toxicity. Mercury has been banned as an ingredient in skin lightening products.

Signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning include:

• numbness
• high blood pressure
• fatigue
• sensitivity to light
• neurologic symptoms, such as tremor, memory loss, and irritability
• kidney failure

Dermatitis

Case studies and reports have linked the use of skin bleaching products to contact dermatitis. This is inflammation of the skin caused by contact with certain substances. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include;

• skin redness
• blisters
• skin ulcers
• hives
• dry, scaly skin
• swelling
• itching
• burning and tenderness

Steroid acne

Skin bleaching creams that contain corticosteroids can cause steroid acne. Steroid acne mostly affects the chest, but can also show up on the back, arms, and other parts of the body with long-term use of corticosteroids.

Symptoms can include:

• whiteheads and blackheads
• small red bumps
• large, painful red lumps
• acne scars

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder often caused by damage to the blood vessels in your kidneys responsible for filtering waste and excess water. It causes your body to excrete too much protein in your urine. Skin lightening creams containing mercury have been associated with nephrotic syndrome.

Symptoms can include:

• swelling edema around the eyes
• swollen feet and ankles
• foamy urine
• loss of appetite
• fatigue

Takeaway

Skin bleaching is a personal choice that shouldn’t be made lightly. It has no health benefits and has been linked to a number of very serious side effects. If you’re also considering skin bleaching, see your doctor or a dermatologist about the benefits and risks.