Sep 02 2010
Dangerous Kidney Problems Or Kidney Failure From Imported Skin Lightening Creams and Lotions: Can It Happen?
A life-threatening kidney problem and other organ damage may result from using certain imported skin bleaching creams, according to a recent investigative report published in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.
The Tribune investigated 50 skin bleaching products and found that some contained what the newspaper called “toxic” levels of mercury. The results appeared in a recent edition.
The products are designed to be used for lightening freckles and age spots.
Mercury must be used carefully on humans because it can cause big trouble for several organs including the heart, lungs and kidneys. Kidney problems, possibly leading to failing kidneys, are one of the biggest threats.
When kidney failure takes place, the prognosis can be grim. There are only two ways to save your life: these include kidney transplantation or dialysis.
Excessive mercury levels can get into the bloodstream after being placed on the skin. The degree of danger varies depending on the individual’s BMI or Body Mass Index and a number of other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers more than one gram of mercury per kilogram (2.2 pounds) to be excessive. Doses that exceed the maximum limit can cause life-threatening illnesses. Small amounts can build up over time, creating long term problems.
Mercury can result in vision problems, blurred vision and trouble walking. It can compromise organ function, and in certain cases, result in death. Mercury can be especially dangerous for the unborn babies of pregnant women, infants and small children.
Mercury has not been legal for use in skin care products since 1990 when it was banned by the Food and Drug Administration. The Tribune’s investigation found that products are readily available nonetheless. The FDA told the Tribune that it has a staff of less than 500 inspectors who can check imported products, making it possible for some dangerous brands to slip through the regulatory cracks .
About 50 skin lightening lotions were sent to to an independent lab for testing. Half a dozen included mercury levels that were higher than legal limits in the U.S. Five had levels of 6,000 parts per million of mercury, which is sufficient to cause kidney problems .
The products came to the U.S. from Lebanon, China, India, Pakistan and Taiwan
One dermatologist in the Chicago area, Dr. Jonith Breadon, admitted to being “shocked and speechless” that products with such high mercury content in them are easy to get.
Stores which had the products in stock and promised to remove them. Two companies who were distributing the products say they will no longer do so.
Skin lightening creams and lotions have become big sellers in the United States in the past few years. Sales have been especially good among Asian, Hispanic and African-American ethnic groups. Sales are expected to pass 75 million annually by 2015.
Among the other creams and lotions tested during the investigation, the highest amounts of mercury were found in a product called Stillman’s Skin Bleach Cream. Other products includedTop-Gel MCA Extra Pearl Cream, Creme Diana CTR, Ling Ji Su, Lulanjina, and Shabright Clear and Bright Skin Formula.
Many popular skin care products tested by the Tribune did not contain mercury at all.
Read more about these kidney problems and others by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.
A number of doctors who spoke to Tribune reporters said that anyone who wants a safe skin lightening cream can get one by prescription. They also pointed out that such creams should be used only for lightening spots and freckles, not to bleach skin that is naturally dark.
Lern more about other kidney problems and related topics by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.
If you enjoyed this post and want to receive more acne treatment tips and information, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!
Need to clear your skin FAST? Discover how to cure acne for good... ex-sufferer reveals secrets of a flawless complexion. Click here now to learn more!
