An Immunologist and Head of Chemical Pathology at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Ganiyu Arinola has called on the Federal Government to ban the importation of bleaching creams in the interest of the health of the people. Prof. Arinola who made the call in an interview with NAN in Ibadan said the move is necessary following the health challenges most Nigerians are facing due to the use of the bleaching cream. He explained that the cream causes loss of pigment and weaken the immunity of the skin.
“The outermost skin layer (the epidermis) provides the first line of defence against pathogens. This skin layer is removed by skin bleaching creams. Commonly used bleaching creams are: Movate, Skin-light, Make-Me Light and many more that have flooded the Nigerian market”
He further disclosed that "We carried out different studies at different times in the laboratory, on dogs, cockroaches, mites and mouse. The studies all showed that skin lightening creams caused disruption in the normal protective functions of the human skin and certain blood parameters. I therefore urge those involved in this harmful practice to desist from doing so.”
The expert blamed the increasing use of these creams on lack of public awareness campaigns, the affordability of the product as well as misconception that the black skin was inferior.
“There is need for more public awareness programmes to enlighten the Nigeria populace about the dangers involved in the practice of skin bleaching. The media could do more sensitization, information and enlightenment programmes to let the public know that the practice is not only destructive of the skin, but could also be a risk factor for many other skin diseases.”
