E-DRUG: Skin-lightening products
--------------------------------
Dear Colleagues,
Over the past few years, there has been a proliferation of skin-lightening products in Malawi. These products are highly
profitable and very popular. Overuse and abuse for cosmetic
purposes have led to a high incidence of facial disfigurement, particularly in women.
Products involved include: steroid-containing products (sold
illegally without a prescription), hydroquinone-containing
products (strength not stated or containing more than the
currently permitted 2%) and mercury-containing products (banned
in Malawi).
In order to address this situation, the Pharmacy, Medicines and
Poisons Board of Malawi has resolved to implement a campaign to
educate the public on the risks involved in the use of these
products and to implement initiatives to control their
importation, sale and supply.
We would therefore be most grateful for any useful information
on:
a) similar experiences and measures taken in other countries
b) information on the description and composition of the many non-medicinal products available (particularly those marketed in Africa)
c) useful literature and references
We are aware that the problem of skin lightening products is
widespread in the African region and unscrupulous suppliers are
exploiting the mis-perceptions and general ignorance of the
public regarding the use of these products to maximise
sales/profits.
Please send me any useful information. Thank you!
Chris Forshaw
WHO/Malawi Essential Drugs Programme Adviser
PO Box 30390
Lilongwe 3
MALAWI
Tel: (+265) 783 108
Fax: (+265) 784 062
Email: medp@eo.wn.apc.org
--
Send mail for the `E-Drug' conference to `e-drug@usa.healthnet.org'.
Mail administrative requests to `majordomo@usa.healthnet.org'.
For additional assistance, send mail to: `owner-e-drug@usa.healthnet.org'.