‘Skin bleaching exposes 168 million Nigerians to cancer, liver failure’

The Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD) has said over 168 million Nigerians now bleach their skin, exposing them to cancer, liver failure and other ailments.

NAD, in an event in Lagos where it launched a nationwide campaign to address the growing public health concerns linked to skin bleaching in Nigeria, said bleaching has hit an epidemic level in the country.

The campaign, themed “EmbraceYourSkin” was unveiled at a press conference held at the LUTH Dermatological Clinic, LUTH Annexe, Yaba, Lagos, attended by journalists, dermatologists, public health experts, and key industry stakeholders.

During the briefing, NAD highlighted the growing public health crisis posed by skin bleaching, a practice that involves intentionally lightening the skin through topical products, cosmetic procedures, oral tablets, and even intravenous treatments.

The association noted that while lighter skin is often perceived as more desirable or socially advantageous, the medical risks associated with bleaching are severe and far outweigh any perceived benefits.

“Skin bleaching is not just a cosmetic choice – it is a health risk with severe complications,” said Prof. Dasetima Altraide, President, NAD.

“The practice has been linked to rising incidences of skin cancers, treatment-resistant fungal infections, destruction of the skin, allergies, and damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

“Alarmingly, even children and unborn babies are being exposed to harmful products, often before they can say no. In fact, there have been instances of pregnant mothers ingesting substances to lighten their unborn children,” he added.

Statistics shared by NAD showed that skin bleaching prevalence in Nigeria ranges between 40 and 84 per cent, according to the WHO Afro Region and iAHO 2023 data.

Nigeria has been labelled both “the world capital of skin bleaching” and “the skin-lightening hot house of the world,” reflecting how deeply rooted the issue has become.

Prof. Altraide reinforced the association’s commitment to combating the crisis, saying, “Our mission is to educate, protect, and empower Nigerians to embrace their natural skin tones.”

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