Fair Skin in India a Dangerous Fad

(taken from the times of india) Fixation with fairness: experts warn against use of skin steroid BHOPAL: Taking the fetish for fairness to another level, youngsters in the city are increasingly using harmful steroid creams in their pursuit of a glowing and fair skin.Prolonged use of these ointments, meant for treatment of serious allergies, is major cause of acne and others facial skin disorders these days, said skin experts. Nearly 25% of young patients visiting skin department OPD at Hamidia hospital come with complaints of side effects of such ointments. "Unaware or ignorant of side effects, many use these creams for attaining a fairer complexion," said Gandhi Medical College (GMC) HoD Skin and VD Dr Anna Alex. Easily available over the counter in pharmacies, use of Betnovate ointment is prevalent in beauty parlours too. In most cases the message spreads by word of mouth. It is only after prolonged use that side effects start showing warning signs, and they reach out for medical help, said Dr Alex. Side-effects can be from hair growth on face to pimples which at times are not visible for weeks. "Most of the damage is invisible as steroids cause changes below the surface of the skin. For attaining a superficial glow that does not last few hours or days these girls and boys are not mindful of risks," she added. Dermatologists say that besides prescribing medicines for reversal of side effects, psychological counselling is needed in some cases. "It is a clinical and psychological problem combined together. Over conscious of their body image, some youngsters find it tough to stop using these steroid creams," said Dr Alex. Medical treatment for reversal of effects from the use of skin steroids can take more than six months.

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