Doctors have highlighted the dangers of using illegal skin lightening creams after a woman using one experienced a number of health problems.
The 28-year-old was treated by medics at Hammersmith hospital, London, after she gained 12.7kg in three years and had difficulty conceiving for 18 months despite having regular periods.
She also had recurrent thrush, bruised easily and had stripes on her arms, back, legs and abdomen.
When doctors examined her they discovered a fat pad between her shoulders and a round face, as well as mild hair growth on her back and face.
After she denied taking illicit drugs the doctors originally diagnosed Cushing's syndrome - a condition that results from excess levels of steroid hormones in the blood.
However the results of blood tests were inconsistent with this and the patient then admitted using black market skin creams.
The cream, which she used 60g (two tubes) a week of, contained the potent steroid clobetasol.
'Patients are often reluctant to admit that they have used skin-lightening creams - especially if these are supplied illegally,' the doctors write in the Lancet medical journal.
'Similarly, doctors can be unaware of the need to inquire. But the market is worth millions of pounds a year in the UK alone. Creams can contain toxic substances, such as steroids and hydroxyquinone - and patients are typically unaware of the risks.'
The 28-year-old was treated by medics at Hammersmith hospital, London, after she gained 12.7kg in three years and had difficulty conceiving for 18 months despite having regular periods.
She also had recurrent thrush, bruised easily and had stripes on her arms, back, legs and abdomen.
When doctors examined her they discovered a fat pad between her shoulders and a round face, as well as mild hair growth on her back and face.
After she denied taking illicit drugs the doctors originally diagnosed Cushing's syndrome - a condition that results from excess levels of steroid hormones in the blood.
However the results of blood tests were inconsistent with this and the patient then admitted using black market skin creams.
The cream, which she used 60g (two tubes) a week of, contained the potent steroid clobetasol.
'Patients are often reluctant to admit that they have used skin-lightening creams - especially if these are supplied illegally,' the doctors write in the Lancet medical journal.
'Similarly, doctors can be unaware of the need to inquire. But the market is worth millions of pounds a year in the UK alone. Creams can contain toxic substances, such as steroids and hydroxyquinone - and patients are typically unaware of the risks.'
Labels: Skin and Hair
A new report has claimed that the NHS is failing patients with psoriasis, an uncomfortable skin condition that causes itchy, flaky red patches.
A survey of 100 dermatology units found that one in five did not have a single nurse who had specialised in dermatology.
One in three units did not have suitable bathing and showering facilities for patients, despite the fact that creams used to treat psoriasis must be washed off if it comes into contact with healthy skin.
In addition, the survey found that treatments in 41 per cent of units were applied by nurses with no specialist training, or even by patients themselves.
The survey was conducted by the Royal College of Physicians and the British Association of Dermatologists and the latter's president, Dr Colin Holden, voiced concerns over the findings.
He commented: 'This audit has produced data clearly showing that on a national level, the NHS is failing to provide patients with the level of care they deserve.
'Basic elements such as bathing facilities, appropriately trained staff and access to treatments are lacking to a worrying degree.'
The report also revealed that 40 per cent of units do not always offer new psoriasis treatments because of their cost, and 60 per cent offer no clinical psychology services to help distressed patients.
A survey of 100 dermatology units found that one in five did not have a single nurse who had specialised in dermatology.
One in three units did not have suitable bathing and showering facilities for patients, despite the fact that creams used to treat psoriasis must be washed off if it comes into contact with healthy skin.
In addition, the survey found that treatments in 41 per cent of units were applied by nurses with no specialist training, or even by patients themselves.
The survey was conducted by the Royal College of Physicians and the British Association of Dermatologists and the latter's president, Dr Colin Holden, voiced concerns over the findings.
He commented: 'This audit has produced data clearly showing that on a national level, the NHS is failing to provide patients with the level of care they deserve.
'Basic elements such as bathing facilities, appropriately trained staff and access to treatments are lacking to a worrying degree.'
The report also revealed that 40 per cent of units do not always offer new psoriasis treatments because of their cost, and 60 per cent offer no clinical psychology services to help distressed patients.
Labels: Skin and Hair
A traditional Chinese remedy made from five herbs could help to ease the symptoms of eczema, a new study has found.
Eczema, which is also known as dermatitis, is a group of skin conditions characterised by dry, itchy skin that can become raw and bleed in severe cases.
Up to one fifth of school-age children and one in 12 adults are affected by eczema, according to the National Eczema Society.
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have now found that the 'pentaherbs formulation', which contains five herbs including Japanese honeysuckle and peppermint, improved quality of life by a third among five to 21-year-olds and reduced the need for topical steroids.
Nina Goad, a spokeswoman for the British Association of Dermatologists, said: 'These early studies show that children with atopic eczema may benefit from a specific concoction of traditional Chinese herbs, which could eventually pave the way for this remedy to find its way into mainstream medicine.'
However, the association warned consumers that some retailers of Chinese herbs 'may not be reputable'.
Eczema, which is also known as dermatitis, is a group of skin conditions characterised by dry, itchy skin that can become raw and bleed in severe cases.
Up to one fifth of school-age children and one in 12 adults are affected by eczema, according to the National Eczema Society.
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have now found that the 'pentaherbs formulation', which contains five herbs including Japanese honeysuckle and peppermint, improved quality of life by a third among five to 21-year-olds and reduced the need for topical steroids.
Nina Goad, a spokeswoman for the British Association of Dermatologists, said: 'These early studies show that children with atopic eczema may benefit from a specific concoction of traditional Chinese herbs, which could eventually pave the way for this remedy to find its way into mainstream medicine.'
However, the association warned consumers that some retailers of Chinese herbs 'may not be reputable'.
Labels: Skin and Hair
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)