STAY INDOORS IF YOU ARE BLEACHING YOUR SKIN, AS TEMPERATURES SOAR.
People using skin-bleaching products have been warned to avoid prolonged exposure to the scorching sun as temperatures continue to rise across the country.
Amid warnings of soaring temperatures from the Meteorological Department, health experts have cautioned that individuals using skin-lightening products face an increased risk of severe sunburn, skin infections and even skin cancer.
Dermatologist Dr Jifumbe Mkandawire has warned that people who bleach their skin are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays because bleaching products weaken the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Dr Mkandawire revealed that he currently attends to an average of three patients suffering from skin damage every day, warning that the situation could worsen as temperatures continue to increase.
He explained that skin-bleaching creams reduce melanin, the natural pigment responsible for protecting the skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
“Potent corticosteroids, hydroquinone, mercury-containing products and unregulated bleaching mixtures can increase sensitivity to irritation, infections and UV damage,” Dr Mkandawire explained.
He warned that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight could have serious consequences for people whose skin has already been weakened by bleaching products.
Dr Mkandawire advised those affected to take extra precautions, including applying sunscreen with SPF 50, wearing bucket hats and covering their bodies with light, long-sleeved clothing whenever they venture outdoors.
He expressed concern that many people only seek medical attention when their skin has already suffered significant damage.
“We have many clients, which I never bothered to count, on average, three people per day. Most of them come when the skin is damaged,” he said.
The dermatologist explained that treating damaged skin requires a carefully structured skincare routine aimed at restoring the skin’s protective barrier, reducing inflammation and preventing further complications.
He urged individuals experiencing severe irritation, wounds, unusual skin changes or persistent discomfort to seek immediate medical attention from qualified dermatologists.
Meanwhile, University Teaching Hospital plastic surgeon Dr Mildred Nakazwe has warned that skin bleaching can cause serious and sometimes long-lasting damage to the skin
Dr Nakazwe explained that bleaching products can cause the skin to become dangerously thin, making it more vulnerable to bruising, infections and delayed wound healing.
“It also causes increased sensitivity to sunlight. The bleaching creams destroy the melanin in the skin, which provides protection against ultraviolet light and, thus, increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancers,” Dr Nakazwe said.
She has since advised members of the public to discontinue the use of skin-bleaching creams and adopt appropriate measures to protect themselves against the harmful effects of the sun.
– Zambian Watch.