title: [Skin lightening products are a part of everyday life in many parts of the world. Corticosteroids, hydroquinone and mercury are common ingredients].
abstract: During the past decade, attention has been drawn towards the globally increased usage of skin-lightening (bleaching) products which are manufactured and sold, particularly in Africa and Asia, but also via the internet and in local shops all over North America and Europe. The active ingredients include hydroquinone, mercury and potent corticosteroids which can have severe health effects.  After investigating a patient at our clinic where the symptoms and findings could be linked to the use of bleaching products, we started to search the literature for similar cases. We found a global epidemic of health disorders related to skin lightening products. With this article we want to increase the awareness among Swedish physicians of this growing and harmful cosmetic trend.
authors.affiliation: Karolinska University Hospital - Department of Endocrinology Stockholm, Sweden Karolinska University Hospital - Department of Endocrinology Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Märit
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wallander
authors.affiliation: Karolinska University Hospital - Department of Endokrinology Stockholm, Sweden Karolinska University Hospital - Department of Endokrinology Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Patrik
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Löfgren
authors.affiliation: Karolinska University Hospital - Department of Endokrinology Stockholm, Sweden - , Sweden.
authors.forename: Mikael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rydén
mesh_terms: D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000172:deficiency; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000032:analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006873:Hydroquinones; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations; D014212:Tretinoin; D006854:Hydrocortisone