Fairness Creams Are Not Just A Social Menace - They Pose Health Risks

India has a thriving market for cosmetics that imply skin-lightening effects and complexion enhancement. The surge of products like fairness creams and brightening serums reflects the narrow beauty standards that often perpetuate harmful effects on society and our emotions. However, beyond just this intangible peril, a new study has revealed that fairness creams also have adverse effects on physiological health. The study, published in the medical journal Kidney International, showed that the increased use of fairness creams with high mercury content is driving cases of Membranous Nephropathy (MN), a condition damaging kidney filters and causing protein leakage.

MN is an autoimmune disease resulting in nephrotic syndrome- a kidney disorder that causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine. Nephrologist Dr Sajeesh Sivadas told the Times of India, "Mercury gets absorbed through the skin, and wreaks havoc on kidney filters, leading to a surge in nephrotic syndrome cases."

Will This Curb The Demand For Fair Skin?

Medical experts have established a connection between skin-whitening creams and kidney health. Nephrologists say that the mercury present in most such products hurts kidney functioning, causing harmfully excessive protein production. Moreover, doctors say that these products have psychological harm too.

"These creams, widely available in India's unregulated markets, promise quick results, but at what cost? Users often describe a disturbing addiction, as stopping usage leads to even darker skin," said Dr Sivadas to Times of India, adding that this is turning into a "looming public health crisis." A study published in Kidney International delves deeper.

The study examined 22 cases of Membranous Nephropathy reported between July 2021 and September 2023 at the Aster MIMS Hospital in Kottakkal, Kerala. The patients with symptoms that were often subtle with fatigue, mild oedema (build-up of fluid in the body which causes the affected tissue to become swollen), and increased frothing of urine were presented.

Of them, three patients had gross oedema, but all had elevated protein levels in their urine. One patient developed cerebral vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the brain, but renal function was preserved in all. The findings showed that 15 patients (about 68%) were positive for 'neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein'-- a rare, malignant form of MN.

Out of those 15 patients, 13 admitted to using fairness creams regularly. "Most cases resolved on cessation of use of the inciting creams. This poses a potential public health risk, and it is imperative to spread public awareness about the hazards of using such products and alert health authorities to curb this menace," said Dr Sivadas.

Dr Sajeesh added that several celebrities and social media influencers are championing these harmful cosmetics which is perpetuating their use in a "multibillion-dollar industry." He said, "This isn't just a skincare/kidney health issue; it's a public health crisis. It's time for immediate action to regulate these harmful products and protect public health."