Skin lightening and its complications among African people living in Paris.
BACKGROUND
Complications caused by skin lightening practices have not been systematically studied in Europe.


OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to assess the complications of skin lightening among people of African descent living in Paris.


METHODS
This was a descriptive study. All patients presenting with complications from skin lightening procedures underwent a complete clinical examination and were questioned about their practice.


RESULTS
Forty-six patients from various African countries (39 women, 7 men) presented with skin changes suggestive of side effects from skin lightening practices. The complications seemed mainly related to the use of clobetasol and hydroquinone.


CONCLUSIONS
The selection bias does not allow assessment of uncomplicated skin lightening.


CONCLUSIONS
Complications arising from skin lightening practices represent a significant health problem for people of African descent living in Paris.
Petit
Antoine
A
Dermatology Service, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France. antoine.petit@sls.aphp.fr
Cohen-Ludmann
Cécile
C
Clevenbergh
Philippe
P
Bergmann
Jean-François
JF
Dubertret
Louis
L
D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa / Q000208:ethnology; D044383:Black People; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010297:Paris; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*
D003358:Cosmetics; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006873:Hydroquinones; D002990:Clobetasol; C031927:hydroquinone