Whitening products associated with changes in steroid hormone levels

According to a study published in e-ECE 2020, women who misuse corticosteroid creams to whiten cosmetic skin may be at risk of developing adrenal insufficiency. Women who frequently used high-intensity steroid creams had significantly lower baseline cortisol levels, a sign of cortisol dysfunction. Low cortisol and adrenal insufficiency are serious conditions that cause extreme fatigue and even death. These findings suggest that better education about the side effects of steroid creams is needed to prevent serious health consequences for these women.

Misuse of Topical corticosteroids Brightening the skin with cosmetics is common among some people, including Egyptians Women.. Exercise is associated with serious adverse effects such as acne, thinning skin and other skin damage. Still, practice is ongoing and lack of awareness of these side effects and other potential health risks from long-term use. It has been suggested that long-term use, especially at high doses, may also affect the body’s own regulation of the hormone cortisol. Releases cortisol Adrenal gland It plays an important role in regulating stress, metabolism and immune function. It is unknown to some extent that these topical corticosteroids may cause dysregulation of normal cortisol function. Low levels of cortisol lead to a condition called adrenal insufficiency characterized by extreme fatigue, Muscle weakness, Depression, and if left untreated, can cause coma or even death.

In this study, Dr. Hany Khairy Mansour of Ain Shams University, Cairo, found that 45 women who had been using topical corticosteroid creams for at least 3 months had baseline cortisol levels (8am), BMI, and blood pressure. Was measured and compared. With women who have not used these creams. The team found lower cortisol levels in women who use more potent corticosteroid creams and in frequent users who apply it to larger areas of the body. Those using low-intensity creams (such as 1% hydrocortisone) had no significant difference in cortisol levels. In addition, there were no significant differences reported for BMI or blood pressure.

“The use of topical corticosteroids to lighten the skin is common, especially among young women with low socioeconomic status,” said Honey Kylie Mansour, but with side effects and the serious effects they can cause. Few people are aware of any health problems.”

Dr. Mansour said: “We need to raise awareness of the serious complications associated with the misuse of topical corticosteroids in young Egyptian women. Over-the-counter sales of these high-strength steroid creams should be limited, only by prescription. Government Learn how policy-makers in the United States have devised measures for proper health education on health hazards associated with the sustained use of cosmetics on topical steroids.

These results indicate the risk of adrenal insufficiency in users who regularly use high-strength steroid creams for cosmetic purposes, but this is a small study and further investigation is needed to confirm these results. Is required. Dr. Mansur Cortisol Urinary concentrations over 24 hours, which is a much more sensitive measure of abnormal adrenal activity and possible adrenal insufficiency.

For more information:
Abstract 362: A Study of the Effect of Whitening Cream on Serum Basal Cortisol Levels in Egyptian Women

Provided by the European Endocrine Society