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Bleaching agents for the skin Millions of African women follow a dangerous ideal of beauty
While in this country tanned skin is considered a beauty ideal, in other regions of the world rather a light complexion is desired. In Africa, millions of women bleach their skin regularly. In doing so, they exposed themselves to massive health risks, as the remedies often contain dangerous ingredients such as mercury. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports severe skin damage, neuropathy, kidney damage and mental health problems such as anxiety, psychosis or depression. A better education about the possible consequential damages is urgently needed here.
Many African women risk their health in pursuit of lighter skin. The use of bleach is widely accepted despite the health risks. In Mali, according to the WHO, 25 percent of women regularly use products, 27 percent in Senegal, 35 percent in South Africa, 59 percent in Togo, and as much as 77 percent in Nigeria. The products often contain massive concentrations of mercury. According to the WHO, some of the creams have mercury concentrations of 33,000 mg / kg. Massive health impairments as a result of use are not uncommon here, but the pursuit of the ideal of beauty of lighter skin makes many African women suppress these complaints.
In African women, lighter skin is a common beauty ideal that they try to achieve with bleach. (Image: WavebreakmediaMicro / fotolia.com) Health impairments are accepted for the "beauty"
The case of Anu Julius, who bought and used her bleaching cream at the behest of her sister to lighten her dark complexion, is described by the news agency "dpa" as an example of the problems with the so-called "skin lighteners". After only four weeks, the young woman's arms and legs began to itch and the skin on her face tensed. Since then, her skin no longer tolerate sun, it burns and "when I go out, I have to use a glider," says the 29-year-old hairdresser from the Nigerian business metropolis Lagos opposite the "dpa". But the young woman is by no means purified. "My skin looks smooth and beautiful, and my friend likes it," she says proudly of the result. Here is the attitude of many African women clearly. You see the health problems caused by the bleaching cream and take this for the supposedly beautiful skin color in purchasing.
More and more women with consequential damages in treatment
After the South African dermatologist Nonhlanhla Khumalo had found that more and more patients after years of use of bleach their practice with severe sequelae, she has, according to the news agency "dpa" decided to take action. She campaigned for the establishment of a laboratory at the University of Cape Town to study skin care products for toxic ingredients. Since May, the different products are under the microscope. The result of an initial test of 29 bleaches from Cape Town stores was sobering. Prohibited ingredients could be detected in almost all bleaches, often in significant quantities. Although the funds at the beginning make the skin look brighter, which increases the incentive for the buyer, "but then soon appear the first side effects, and the damage is usually irreparable," the dermatologist is quoted by the "dpa".
Bleach with high turnover
According to the news agency "dpa", bleaches are offered practically on every street corner. For example, at Cape Town's railway station, just a few miles away from the aforementioned lab, numerous small shops offer a wide range of questionable resources. A 75-milliliter vial of products such as Fair and White, White Express, Extreme Glo or Carowhitesei is already here for the equivalent of 2.30 euros to have. Many stores deny their funds with the funds. According to the announcement of the "dpa" they are produced among others in Cameroon, the Congo and also in India. Sometimes the poisonous ingredients are even clearly visible on the packaging, which is obviously not a deterrent to customers. The desire for a lighter shade of brown skin, let many simply ignore the warnings.
Pursuit of lighter skin is widespread in Africa
Cause for the pursuit of the beauty ideal of fair skin are also the advertisement and magazines reported the "dpa" further. Here, the skin of celebrities on the computer is brightened, thus increasing the pressure on women. Also, some African stars such as South African singer Nomasonto Maswanganyi (known as "Mshoza") would publicly promote the use of bleach. In 2011 Mshoza medically had her skin lightened by a few shades and announced that she now feels more beautiful and self-confident, reports the "dpa". She drew here the comparison to a breast augmentation or nose correction, which should also be respected as personal decisions. The Nigerian-Cameroonian musician Dencia had, according to "dpa" last year, even launched its own cosmetics product line called "Whitenicious" on the market, which found rapid sales. "Brightening the skin is a real statement here, as well as hair extensions and well-groomed clothing," cites the "dpa" the textile worker, Bintou Dembele, from the Malian capital Bamako. She also claims to have used bleach in the run up to her wedding last year. This would be "easy if you marry," says the 33-year-old. "My skin burned and in the end I had to stop because of a rash," Dembele continues. Nevertheless, she assumes that would be expected in a ban of creams with huge indignation.
Serious damage to health through the use of bleach
The effects of bleaching agents on health, according to the WHO, include itchy rash, skin discoloration and scars, as well as a reduction in the resistance of the skin to bacterial and fungal infections. Furthermore, anxiety, depression or psychosis and peripheral neuropathies are possible consequences. The mercury from soaps, creams and other cosmetic products also ends up in wastewater and finally in the food chain, as evidenced by the detection of highly toxic methylmercury in fish. In pregnant women, who consume the fish with methylmercury, threaten the fetus developmental deficit of the nervous system. The consequences of the large-scale use of bleaching agents will probably only become really apparent in the coming years. (Fp)