Dermatologists launch anti-skin bleaching campaign

By Doris Obinna and Kelechi Nnadi

Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD) has launched a nationwide campaign to tackle the growing public health concerns associated with skin bleaching in Nigeria. The campaign, themed: “Embrace Your Skin,” was unveiled at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Dermatological Clinic, LUTH Annex, Yaba, Lagos, and brought together dermatologists, public health experts and key industry stakeholders.

The association, at the launch, described skin bleaching as a major public health crisis, noting that the practice involves intentionally lightening the skin through topical products, cosmetic procedures, oral tablets and even intravenous treatments.

While lighter skin is often perceived as more desirable or socially advantageous, NAD warned that the medical risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.

Speaking, President NAD, Prof. Dasetima Altraide, said skin bleaching should not be viewed as a cosmetic choice but as a serious health risk with potentially devastating consequences. He explained that the practice has been linked to rising cases of skin cancer, treatment-resistant fungal infections, destruction of the skin, severe allergies and damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

He expressed concern that children and unborn babies are increasingly being exposed to harmful bleaching products, sometimes before they are able to make informed decisions. According to him, there have been reported cases of pregnant women ingesting substances in an attempt to lighten the skin of their unborn children.

Statistics presented by NAD revealed that skin bleaching prevalence in Nigeria ranges between 40 per cent and 84 per cent, based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Afro Region and Integrated African Health Observatory (iAHO) 2023.

According to Altraide, Nigeria has been described as both “the world capital of skin bleaching” and “the skin-lightening hot house of the world,” reflecting how widespread and deeply rooted the practice has become.

Altraide reaffirmed the association’s commitment to addressing the issue through education and advocacy. He said the mission of NAD is to educate, protect and empower Nigerians to embrace their natural skin tones, adding that pharmacists, regulatory agencies, the media and the general public all have important roles to play in dismantling the false narratives that portray dark skin as inferior.

The Association expressed appreciation to Eucerin for supporting the nationwide advocacy effort and also acknowledged the contributions of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH). NAD described the Ministry’s recent regulations on the safe use of cosmetics as a timely and critical step toward strengthening consumer safety across the country.

Calling for collective action, Altraide urged pharmacists and regulatory bodies to ensure that harmful bleaching agents are not readily available over the counter. He also called on the media to amplify accurate information that challenges long-standing misconceptions about natural skin colour.

Addressing Nigerians, he encouraged the public to prioritise their health and self-confidence, stressing that skin bleaching is a harmful practice that should be avoided. He emphasised that natural skin colour is best suited for each individual and should be embraced with pride.

The campaign focused on public education, expert guidance and extensive media engagement to raise awareness about the dangers of skin bleaching while promoting national pride in natural skin tones.

The association advised Nigerians to seek qualified medical attention for skin concerns, rely on scientifically backed skincare solutions and avoid harmful bleaching products. While urging Nigerians to take pride in the skin they were born with and to fully embrace it, Altraide added that skin health is a responsibility.