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Doctors warn against illegal skin whitening creams

15/02/2008

Doctors have highlighted the dangers of using illegal skin lightening creams after a woman using one experienced a number of health problems.

The 28-year-old was treated by medics at Hammersmith hospital, London, after she gained 12.7kg in three years and had difficulty conceiving for 18 months despite having regular periods.

She also had recurrent thrush, bruised easily and had stripes on her arms, back, legs and abdomen.

When doctors examined her they discovered a fat pad between her shoulders and a round face, as well as mild hair growth on her back and face.

After she denied taking illicit drugs the doctors originally diagnosed Cushing's syndrome - a condition that results from excess levels of steroid hormones in the blood.

However the results of blood tests were inconsistent with this and the patient then admitted using black market skin creams.

The cream, which she used 60g (two tubes) a week of, contained the potent steroid clobetasol.

"Patients are often reluctant to admit that they have used skin-lightening creas - especially if these are supplied illegally," the doctors write in the Lancet medical journal.

"Similarly, doctors can be unaware of the need to inquire. But the market is worth millions of pounds a year in the UK alone. Creams can contain toxic substances, such as steroids and hydroxyquinone - and patients are typically unaware of the risks."