[Prevalence of the use of skin bleaching cosmetics in two areas in Dakar (Sénégal)].
The use of skin bleaching cosmetics is an increasingly widespread phenomenon in Africa. If the negative sanitary effects of this practice are today well known, reliable statistics on the importance of the problem within the global population are rare. Our study, conducted in two popular areas in Dakar, Usine bene taly and Usine Niary Taly, had 2 objectives: to determine the prevalence of the use of skin bleaching cosmetics in the studied zones, to describe the prevalence according to the following variables: age, matrimonial situation, level and/or type of instruction, job, type of agents used. For that purpose, we conducted a transverse study on a representative sample of 600 women from 15 to 55 years old. This study reveals a prevalence of the use of skin bleaching cosmetics of 67.2%. The agents found are hydroquinone derivatives (61%), topical corticosteroids (37%) and agents from unknown origin (2%). The use of skin bleaching cosmetics is more important among young women between 30 to 44 years (72.5%), married (72.2%), analphabets (75%), working (77.6%). Studies conducted in Mali and Togo gave comparable results, which give perspectives for a prevention based on education an awareness.
Wone
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I
Service de Médecine Préventive et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Pharmacie et Odonto-Stomatologie, Dakar.
Tal-Dia
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A
Diallo
O F
OF
Badiane
M
M
Touré
K
K
Diallo
I
I
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004363:Drug Utilization; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012675:Senegal; D012737:Sex Factors; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D006873:Hydroquinones; C031927:hydroquinone