'Looming Public Health Crisis': Fairness Creams Linked To Rising Kidney Disorders In India, As Per Study
A recent study suggests that the widespread use of skin fairness creams in India is leading to an increase in kidney problems. This is believed to be due to the high levels of mercury found in the ingredients of these creams.
Kidney disorder caused by usage of fairness creams
A study published in the medical journal Kidney International found that the rise in the use of skin fairness creams containing high levels of mercury is leading to an increase in cases of Membranous Nephropathy (MN).?
MN is an autoimmune disease that causes nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder resulting in excessive protein excretion in the urine.
The study looked at 22 cases of MN reported between July 2021 and September 2023.?
Looming public health crisis, says Dr Sivadas
One of the researchers Dr Sajeesh Sivadas, Department of Nephrology, Aster MIMS Hospital, Kottakkal, Kerala, posted on X, "Mercury gets absorbed through the skin, and wreaks havoc on kidney filters, leading to a surge in nephrotic syndrome cases."
Patients that were observed with Membranous Nephropathy all showed high levels of protein in their urine. One patient developed cerebral vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the brain, but kidney function remained intact in all cases.?
The study found that about 68% or 15 out of the 22 patients tested positive for neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1), a rare type of MN that is more likely to be linked with cancer.
"This isn't just a skincare/kidney health issue; it's a public health crisis. And if mercury applied to the skin can cause such harm, imagine the implications if consumed. It's time for immediate action to regulate these harmful products and protect public health," he said.
Out of the 15 patients, 13 said they had used skin fairness creams before they started having symptoms.?
The researchers stated in their paper, ?"Most cases resolved on cessation of use of the inciting creams. This poses a potential public health risk, and it is imperative to spread public awareness about hazards of using such products and alert health authorities to curb this menace," said the researchers in the paper.
Disturbing addiction of Indians to fairness creams
"These (fairness) creams, widely available in India's unregulated markets, promise quick results, but at what cost? Users often describe a disturbing addiction, as stopping usage leads to even darker skin," Dr Sivadas said.
Because of society's focus on fair skin, skin fairness creams are in high demand in India.?
Dr. Sajeesh also criticised social media influencers and actors who promote these creams, saying they contribute to their widespread use in a multi-billion-dollar industry.
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