Toxic Effects of Skin-Lightening Products in Canadian Immigrants

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 254-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Mistry ◽  
Jonathan Shapero ◽  
Roopal V. Kundu ◽  
Harvey Shapero
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Toxic Effects ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Canadian Woman ◽  
Skin Bleaching ◽  
Health Food Store ◽  
Canadian Immigrants ◽  
Skin Lightening ◽  
African Canadian

Background: The cultural practice of skin bleaching is highly prevalent in Africa. Most reported cases of toxic effects of skin-lightening products occur in this region. Objective: To describe cases of misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) cosmetic skin-lightening products occurring in Canadian immigrants. Methods: Two cases of Canadian immigrants with severe complications from OTC skin-bleaching agents were identified in a community-based dermatology practice in Toronto. The case histories were reviewed and analyzed. Results: A 28-year-old African-Canadian woman developed extensive striae from long-term use of a topical cream containing clobetasol that she had purchased in a Caribbean health food store. A 55-year-old African-Canadian woman developed exogenous ochronosis from the use of a topical bleaching agent she had purchased in Ghana. Conclusion: Cosmetic skin lightening with unregulated topical products occurs in Canada. Dermatologists working in Canada need to be aware of this practice to provide appropriate directive care.

scholarly journals Skin-lightening practices in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Maya Vedamurthy ◽  
Vijaya Lakshmi Chelikani
Keyword(s):  
Skin Color ◽  
Normal Skin ◽  
Occupational Status ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Chemical Peels ◽  
Skin Conditions ◽  
Skin Lightening

Skin lightening involves various practices to bleach the skin or to reduce the normal skin tone. The practice of skin-lightening spans several continents throughout the centuries and cultures primarily aimed at improving the quality of life. The main aim of skin lightening in medieval times was to increase the sign of femininity and thereby its benefits. In India, skin lightening is preferred as a mark of class, caste, and richness. Dermatologists are faced with many problems dealing with requests to make skin fairer, while in the west, there is a problem dealing with skin conditions in skin of color. Many skin-lightening agents are sold as over-the-counter products and are popularized or advertised through magazines, social media, and celebrity influences. These products are self-prescribed and used rampantly despite the side effects. There is a strong equation between caste, social class, marital prospects, and occupational status based on skin color. Multinational skin-lightening cosmetic brands have a lucrative market. The most widely used topical agent in skin lightening is hydroquinone, while other non-hydroquinone agents are also frequently used. In general, combining skin-lightening agents have increased efficacy. Systemic agents such as glutathione, tranexamic acid, Vitamin C, and other miscellaneous agents are also popular. Several procedures ranging from chemical peels to lights and lasers are increasingly practiced for more effective skin lightening. In India, all skin-whitening creams can be bought without a prescription as OTC products. These products are not considered pharmaceutical products and are not subject to testing and regulations. In addition, the injudicious use of intravenous glutathione by unqualified personnel poses a threat to the lay public. In our role as dermatologists, we should develop a holistic approach in counseling and treating those patients on a quest for skin lightening.

Melatonin for Insomnia and Jet Lag

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-439
Author(s):  
VICTOR TUROW
Keyword(s):  
Internal Clock ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Jet Lag ◽  
Food Store ◽  
Adolescent Patient ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Health Food Store ◽  
Natural Remedy ◽  
Routine Physical Examination

Recently, an adolescent patient, in for a routine physical examination, asked about the use of melatonin for insomnia. She had actually purchased a melatonin-containing product several weeks before at a local health food store, dosing herself nightly as instructed by the "guy behind the counter." Several other patients and parents have since inquired about my knowledge of this "natural remedy." The body's internal clock, the circadian system, is regulated by the pineal gland.

Over-the-Counter Medicine Use Prior to and During Hospitalization

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Alice Oborne ◽  
Michal L Luzac
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Access To Medicines ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Clinical Notes ◽  
Otc Drugs ◽  
Drug History ◽  
Minor Ailments ◽  
The Uk

BACKGROUND: In the UK, medicines are being reclassified from prescription-only drugs to allow supply without prescription. This allows faster and easier access to medicines to treat minor ailments and allows patients to take greater responsibility for their health. However, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may pose risks to patients; thus, it is important to understand patients' OTC medicine use. OBJECTIVE: To assess use of OTC drugs prior to and during hospital stay of inpatients of all ages and specialties. METHODS: Data were collected for 186 randomly selected patients. Patients were interviewed about OTC medicine use. Clinical notes and drug charts were examined for documentation of OTC medicine use. RESULTS: A total of 268 OTC medicines were used by 119 (64.0%) patients, and 117 (43.7%) were taken at least daily. Only 13 (4.9%) OTC drugs were recorded in the drug history taken at admission. Twenty-six (9.7%) OTC agents were still taken during hospitalization, but only 8 (31%) were recorded on drug charts. Patients bought 183 (68.3%) items from pharmacies, 28 (10.4%) in health food shops, and 57 (21.7%) elsewhere including supermarkets, homeopaths, or mail order. Patients had little knowledge of potential adverse effects or contraindications. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients use OTC medication prior to and during hospital stay, but documentation in hospital notes is poor. Healthcare professionals must pay closer attention to patients' use of OTC drugs.

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