The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) has raised alarm over the misuse of topical corticosteroids in skin-bleaching products, urging global action to address the growing concern.
The ILDS President, Prof. Henry Lim, in a statement on Tuesday, stressed the importance of safe and appropriate use of topical corticosteroids and called for better patient protection and education.
Lim described skin bleaching as a worsening global public health crisis requiring immediate intervention. He highlighted its prevalence in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean, where lighter skin is preferred.
“This demand has driven the rapid expansion of the global skin-bleaching industry, expected to reach 15.5 billion dollars by 2032. In some countries, facial skin-bleaching products—often containing potent or superpotent corticosteroids—are now a significant part of the skincare market.
“Alarmingly, these products are frequently sold without medical supervision, posing severe public health risks,” Lim stated.
He further warned that misuse of corticosteroid-based bleaching agents could cause treatment-resistant fungal infections, irreversible skin damage, systemic side effects, and mental health issues.
He, however, called for urgent action, advocating stricter regulations to ban monotherapy or fixed-dose combinations containing potent corticosteroids unless prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
“Clearer guidelines are needed to protect patients and the public from the overuse and misuse of potent topical corticosteroids. Improved education on the dangers of skin-bleaching and advocacy for safer dermatological practices are also essential.
“As the leading global advocate for skin health, ILDS is committed to advancing education, clinical care, and research to address pressing dermatological challenges,” he said.
The professor of dermatology and head of research at Father Muller Medical College in Mangalore, India, Dr. Ramesha Bhat, echoed these concerns, highlighting the widespread misuse of over-the-counter skin-bleaching creams containing corticosteroids.
Bhat explained that combination creams with corticosteroids, antifungals, and antibiotics are often misused as antifungal treatments, worsening conditions by suppressing immune responses.
“These creams offer temporary relief but ultimately worsen the condition. Unregulated access and misleading marketing fuel this crisis, particularly where lighter skin is culturally preferred.
“We urge national governments to enforce stricter regulations, promote responsible corticosteroid use, and ban potent corticosteroid combinations marketed as skin-lightening or antifungal treatments,” Baht stated.
Head of Dermatology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Dr. Ncoza Dlova, also warned of the alarming rise in skin bleaching, which she described as reaching epidemic levels.
She noted an increase in reported cases of squamous cell carcinoma, raising significant health concerns.
She further advised that the dermatology community must unite to tackle this issue through education and by addressing the socio-political factors that contribute to this practice.
