IN its statement, the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) highlighted the harmful practice of skin-bleaching as a growing global public health crisis that demands urgent action. Statement contributor and head of Dermatology at UKZN, Professor Ncoza Dlova, raised the alarm and said skin bleaching is reaching epidemic levels.
“For the first time cases of squamous cell carcinoma are being reported, which is a serious concern. The dermatology community must work together to address this problem, both through education and by tackling the socio-political influences on this practice,” said Dlova.
Her concerns were shared by fellow contributor Dr Ramesha M Bhat, Professor of Dermatology and head of research at Father Muller Medical College, India. He said, “The widespread misuse of skin bleaching creams containing corticosteroids and sold over the counter is a serious public health concern. It is exacerbated by the misapplication of combination creams, containing potent corticosteroids, antifungals, and antibiotics, as antifungal treatments. Used in this way, they provide temporary relief but ultimately worsen the condition by suppressing the patient’s immune response.”
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Skin bleaching is widespread in some regions of Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean, driven by socio-cultural pressures that favour lighter skin tones. This demand has fuelled rapid growth in the global skin bleaching industry, which is projected to reach $15.5b (about R287b) by 2032. Dr Bhat blamed the growth of skin bleaching on the unregulated access and misleading marketing, saying it is fuelling this crisis, particularly in communities where lighter skin is preferred culturally. In certain countries, facial skin bleaching products – often containing potent or super-potent corticosteroids – constitute a significant segment of the skincare market.
“We hope the updated ILDS position statement will encourage national governments to enforce stricter regulations, promote the rational use of corticosteroids, and ban potent topical corticosteroid combinations marketed as skin lightening or antifungal treatments,” he added.
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The misuse of corticosteroid-based bleaching agents may be linked to treatment-resistant fungal infections, irreversible skin damage, systemic side effects and negative impacts on mental health. The ILDS has called for decisive action to address this issue with key recommendations including the stricter regulation and enforcement of regulations that prohibit the use of monotherapy and/or fixed-dose combinations, containing potent or super potent corticosteroids without a prescription from an appropriately trained healthcare professional.
ILDS president, Professor Henry W Lim, said the organisation’s updated position underscores the growing concerns among their member societies. “ILDS has also called for clearer guidelines to protect patients and the public from the risks of overuse and misuse of potent topical corticosteroids, improved patient and public education on the dangers of skin bleaching and advocacy efforts to promote safer dermatological practices globally,” said Lim.
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