The Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD) has declared that over 168 million Nigerians were in danger of having cancer, liver failure and other ailments due to engaging in skin bleaching.
NAD averred this in Lagos at a nationwide campaign to address the growing public health concerns linked to skin bleaching in Nigeria.
The campaign, themed: “EmbraceYourSkin” was unveiled at a press conference held at the LUTH Dermatological Clinic, LUTH Annexe, Yaba, Lagos.
The association lamented growing public health crisis posed by skin bleaching, from intentionally lightening the skin through topical products, cosmetic procedures, consumption of oral tablets, and even intravenous treatments.
It said perceived benefit that borders on the so-called social advantages conferred on those in the practice pailed into insignificance if compared to the medical risks associated with it.
Speaking, NAD President, Prof. Dasetima Altraide, said skin bleaching has become endemic to the point that children and unborn babies were brought into it by some parents.
“Skin bleaching is not just a cosmetic choice – it is a health risk with severe complications.
“The practice has been linked to rising incidences of skin cancers, treatment-resistant fungal infections, destruction of the skin, allergies, and damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
“Alarmingly, even children and unborn babies are being exposed to harmful products, often before they can say no. In fact, there have been instances of pregnant mothers ingesting substances to lighten their unborn children,” Altraide said.
He remarked that skin bleaching was prevalent in Nigeria with between 40 and 84 per cent of citizens into it, according to the WHO Afro Region and iAHO 2023 data.
“Nigeria has been labelled both ‘the world capital of skin bleaching’ and ‘the skin-lightening hot house of the world,’ reflecting how deeply rooted the issue has become,” the NAD President added.
