The use of bleaching creams has sparked concerns about their safety, particularly regarding the potential for vision loss. Skin lightening, often referred to synonymously with skin whitening, involves treatments that lighten a person’s complexion. While popular in Nigeria and across Africa, this practice raises significant health risks, especially due to hazardous ingredients like mercury, corticosteroids, and hydroquinone.
According to the World Health Organization, 77% of Nigerian women use skin bleaching products, compared to just 28% of men. This trend is often influenced by cultural perceptions favoring lighter skin tones, which are associated with Western beauty ideals.
Mercury and Its Risks
Mercury, commonly used in skin bleaching products to inhibit melanin production (which darkens the skin), poses severe health threats. Ingredients labeled as mercury may include various synonyms such as “Hg,” “mercuric iodide,” “quicksilver,” and “cinnabaris” (mercury sulfide).
The use of mercury in skin products can lead to various health complications, including:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Kidney damage
- Skin rashes
- Discoloration and scarring
- Reduced skin resistance to infections
- Anxiety, depression, and psychosis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the dangers of mercury exposure, which include the risk of vision loss and respiratory problems.
A study published in the Medical Science Monitor in 2014 highlighted that long-term exposure to mercury can result in visual impairment, particularly affecting peripheral vision.
Using skin-lightening creams containing mercury over extended periods is particularly hazardous, as mercury accumulates in the body, making it increasingly difficult to eliminate. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers associated with these products, including the risk of blindness.
