More than a third of the country’s population bleaches their skin, putting their health at risk.

According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Region study, 39 out of 100 Ghanaians are normally involved in skin bleaching, and the widespread use of skin-lightening products is the source of the country’s growing statistics in skin bleaching.

Other African countries report rates ranging from 25% of the population in Mali to 77% in Nigeria, with other countries reporting intermediate rates such as 31.15 per cent in Zimbabwe, 32% in South Africa, 50% in Senegal, and 66% in Congo-Brazzaville.

This was stated in the WHO African Region and the Integrated African Health Observatory (iAHO) report presented in Accra in November 2023.

According to the paper, in Ghana, statistics indicated that 40.4 per cent of study participants in Kumasi and 50.3 per cent in Accra used skin-bleaching products either now or in the past.

What is skin bleaching?

The paper defined skin bleaching, also known as skin lightening, skin toning, and skin whitening, as a global cosmetic practice to obtain a lighter skin tone. Cosmetic demands founded in profound historical, economic, socio-cultural, and psychological considerations are frequently driving it.

It entails the use of topical treatments including corticosteroids, hydroquinone, mercury, or other chemicals to lighten the skin. In Africa and Asia, the usage of potentially dangerous chemicals such as mercury is frequent.

According to the WHO, a recent meta-analysis indicated a global prevalence of skin bleaching of 27.1% in Africa, with 25 to 80% of African women frequently using skin-whitening products.

It said that data from 68 studies’ meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis revealed that persons aged 30 and younger had the highest prevalence of skin bleaching at 55.9%, followed by those aged 31-49 years at 25.9%.

It highlighted skin bleaching as a worldwide public health issue that demanded an immediate response, emphasising the importance of strong regulatory action to prohibit the importation of dangerous skin-bleaching goods.

In a statement to The Mirror, WHO Country Representative to Ghana, Professor Francis Kasolo, stated that “we have recognised the health threats of skin bleaching.” As a result, through this analytical fact sheet, we are attempting to attract attention to this issue and raise public awareness in order to regulate the practice of skin bleaching in Ghana and throughout Africa.”

Effects on health

According to the paper, skin bleaching can cause dermatitis, steroid acne, discoloration, changes in skin thickness, inflammatory illnesses, and problems including mercury poisoning, nephrotic syndrome, and exogenous ochronosis.

These health issues, it noted, were linked to components in skin-lightening products such as hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and mercury, noting that a history of long-term use of skin-lightening products was detected in individuals with skin malignancies such as squamous cell carcinoma.

In addition to skin problems, the report stated that chronic use of skin-lightening products was associated with symptoms of mercury poisoning, nephrotic syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes mellitus, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and life-threatening postoperative adrenal crisis.

“Studies have shown that people with bleached skin have slower wound healing due to thinner skin layers, delayed skin regrowth, reduced tissue support and impaired tissue formation. It increases the likelihood of wound infection, dehiscence (reopening of the wound), and bleeding. It is similar to wound healing complications caused by the use of steroids,” it said.

Response to skin-bleaching

The research recommended that healthcare practitioners, including chemists, be taught about local skin bleaching practises and the possible consequences connected with the overuse of corticosteroids and hydroquinone-containing treatments.

It stated that such information would assist them in identifying negative effects, providing advise, and recommending safe alternatives such as high-quality and economical sunscreens.

It said that public health initiatives and activities were required to prevent the culture of colorism by promoting the attractiveness of all skin hues and utilising more dark-skinned models in ads.

“Despite knowing the side effects of skin bleaching, people still choose to bleach their skin. This evidence strongly suggests that comprehensive public health awareness strategies are needed to discourage this practice. It said that skin bleaching is an important public health issue requiring broader campaigns that go beyond informing people about the health risks involved,” it said.