Dermatologists have linked growing skin cancer cases now presented in clinics to skin-bleaching practices, warning that prolonged use of lightening products is exposing users to several health risks.
They explained that the condition, which was rare among Blacks, is now among the cases being recorded in clinics.
The experts said many bleaching creams contain harmful substances such as steroids, hydroquinone, and mercury, which can damage the skin's protective barrier and increase vulnerability to ultraviolet radiation.
According to the specialists, prolonged use of these products may lead to abnormal skin changes, delayed wound healing, and, in severe cases, cancerous growths.
Skin cancer is a disease that involves the growth of abnormal cells in the skin tissues, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
"Skin cancer can spread to nearby tissue or other areas in your body if it's not caught early. Fortunately, if skin cancer is identified and treated in the early stages, most are cured," it added.
Skin cancers are the most common group of cancers diagnosed worldwide, with more than 1.5 million new cases estimated in 2022, according to the World Health Organisation.
"In 2022, an estimated 330,000 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed worldwide, and almost 60,000 people died from the disease," WHO said.
Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise, a Professor of Medicine and Dermatology, Madubuko Roli, said a growing number of Nigerians are now presenting with skin complications linked to prolonged bleaching and unsafe cosmetic practices.
She explained that skin cancer, once considered rare among Black populations, is now being presented more in clinics.
Roli identified long-term use of bleaching products as a major contributing factor.
"We are beginning to see skin bleaching-related complications. For example, you have someone who has been bleaching for 20 years now coming down with skin cancer that we have not commonly seen before in Black people.
"Skin cancers used to be rare, but now we are beginning to see more cases," she said.
Roli, who is a Consultant Physician/Dermatologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, explained that aside from skin cancer, there are also cases of non-cancerous skin growths linked to bleaching.
The don said, "Sometimes, you get to see someone developing growths on the skin from bleaching for years. So, we see some of that kind of growth. Some of them we call seborrhoeic keratosis.
"They are dark growths that increase from sun exposure over time, especially with prolonged bleaching. So, we are seeing lots of that coming up in our patients."
The consultant dermatologist also said that, beyond bleaching, dermatology clinics are increasingly recording cases related to tattoo complications.
"Now, besides skin bleaching, we are seeing a lot of young people coming down with complications from tattoos. We have had some patients who have developed what we call keloids from tattoos. So, they develop very exaggerated scar formation from the inscription of tattoos.
"Some of them develop infections from the instruments used during the tattooing process. And in the worst-case scenarios, we have seen some patients who have developed hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and even HIV from improper use of instruments for these procedures," the don said.
Speaking in an earlier interview, a Consultant Dermatologist at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Dr Ehiaghe Anaba, urged Nigerians to be mindful of what they rub on their skin.
She noted that people apply dangerous substances as creams on their bodies, lamenting that this has resulted in several health issues like skin cancer, difficult surgeries, renal illness, skin warts, skin colour changes, and body odour.
According to her, products like hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, liquorice, mulberry, and triple-action cream should be avoided.
"Do not use depigmenting, bleaching, toning, maintaining, or whitening creams and procedures on your skin. They age your skin in the end. All you need to do is moisturise your skin, avoid the sun, or stay in the shade. If you have to be under the sun, use umbrellas and sunscreens.
"Have fruits and vegetables in your diet and drink three litres of water per day (six sachets of water or two big bottles). Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, and ensure you get at least six hours of sleep per day. If you can do this, you will have good skin; you don't need to bleach," she added.