Complications due to skin whitening creams on the rise

4 July 2024 07:02 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 11 Bookmark

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Colombo, July 04 (Daily Mirror) - Health officials in Sri Lanka have raised alarms over a significant increase in kidney disease cases linked to the use of skin whitening creams, surpassing even cancer incidences.

Speaking at a press conference at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Indira Kahawita, a Consultant Dermatologist, emphasized the alarming trend.

"There is a joint program between the World Health Organization and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health aimed at completely eliminating the use of mercury. The goal is zero mercury usage. However, these harmful substances are being applied across the entire body, leading to severe health consequences. Mercury exposure can result in kidney failure," Dr. Kahawita stated.

Dr. Kahawita shared her recent findings, saying, "In a 24-hour period, I examined approximately 60 patients across 40 clinics. Out of these, 10% presented with issues directly related to whitening creams. These are not long-term effects but immediate concerns, such as stretch marks."

She further noted disturbing symptoms, including blackening of the palms and discoloration of nails turning brown or orange, which have become increasingly common in recent months.

"These short-term side effects are appearing more frequently than before and pose significant health risks even before cancer develops," Dr. Kahawita warned.

Comments - 11

Terrence K Thursday, 04 July 2024 08:23 AM

So no demand for the women who do not use skin whitening creams to improve their complexions in most of the Reality shows, Tele dramas etc. This will impact on most of these cosmetic companies facing a drastic reduction of profits. The positive side is that the hospitals catering for Kidney patients will reduce as the women could lead a normal life without any hassle. The choice is left with the women of this country whether they choose to be Angels or challenging nature which could ultimately result in devilsh personalities due to dialysis etc. losing their natural God given complexion.!!!!!!!

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Mayd Thursday, 04 July 2024 08:41 AM

This is what happens when you buy 35,000 rupees skin treatment kits made at home!

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A Thursday, 04 July 2024 11:16 AM

This whole skin whitening is common in many Asian countries and there are 1000s of products - creams, soaps, lotions etc flooding the market. It is the mentality of most SL, who are of the belief that fair is nice and dark is not....look at you matrimonial columns... nice tall fair girl. People like PH play on the insecurities of the masses and some pathetic people want to be fair like her.... It is sad situation but the cause stems from criticism and prejudices of our own people.

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Lathika Thursday, 04 July 2024 09:15 AM

Fake whitening creams are freely available in beauty products shops everywhere here. Some have no mention of ingredients or where it was made. Yet, men and women both keep buying them.

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European Thursday, 04 July 2024 09:53 AM

Putting mercury in skincream? And that is legal? And people are using this? Maybe you can brighten up your skincomplexion, but you need something else to brighten up your brains.

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Umar Perera Thursday, 04 July 2024 10:40 AM

Why is fairer better? Isn't this a perpetuation of western colonial standards? Plus an indication of severely low self-esteem.

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European Thursday, 04 July 2024 11:04 AM

Yes it is. Why not move on since independence?

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pdrs kumara Thursday, 04 July 2024 11:12 AM

This is a problem in other areas too. We are told that people go for miracle cures for high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer etc despite availability of tried and tested treatment. Just like Mercury poisoning in this case people go to hospitals when things take a turn for the worse. People are at liberty to seek the services they perceive to be good. The more expensive, the better they seem to believe. The authorities can educate people. They can check the products on shelves for harmful ingredients. But products in private circulation cannot be tested so. The consumer, however, can – he/she can use it and experience the untoward effects and then say ‘Hey, this is bad’. It might be a trifle too late for her, but others can take a lesson. If it is only the purse that gets hurt by going for these dubious products, it is OK – at least the seller benefits. Health is a different matter.

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Dee Thursday, 04 July 2024 11:16 AM

It is pathetic to see some women who suddenly turned ‘white’ . Seriously, it’s not ‘beautiful’ - it’s disgusting. Especially when color change alone won’t match the rest of the picture.

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dinesh Thursday, 04 July 2024 12:03 PM

i guess stupidity needs to be cured in some manner...sorry to say...

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Human Being Thursday, 04 July 2024 12:35 PM

I've seen some women who used this cream suddenly their face becomes fairer but the body is dusky complexion, I kind of find it funny how they are so confident and proud of their whitened faces yet looks like a clown hahaha! Isn't our skin complexion is beautiful? I myself a dark skinned guy even my friends used to bully with names like "Somali, Kaappiri" I think our people mentality should change, each individuals are unique beings we should appreciate what we have been given by the almighty, if you try to fit in to the society's so called standard you fail. Our Sri Lankan skin complexion is beautiful, Period.

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