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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
immunology and microbiology
The cosmetic use of skin-lightening products during pregnancy in Dakar, Senegal: a common and potentially hazardous practice
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 101, No. 2, Year 2007
Notification
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Description
Many women of childbearing age from sub-Saharan Africa use topical skin lighteners, some of which present a risk of toxic systemic effects. The goals of this study were to evaluate, in this environment, the frequency of this practice during pregnancy, as well as eventual consequences on pregnancy. Ninety-nine women from 6 to 9 months pregnant were randomly selected among those attending a standard maternal centre in Dakar for a prenatal visit. Investigations consisted of questions about the use of skin lighteners, a standard clinical examination, follow-up until delivery and a morning blood sample for plasma cortisol levels. Sixty-eight of the 99 selected women used skin lighteners during their current pregnancy, the main active ingredients being hydroquinone and highly potent steroids (used by 64 and 28 women, respectively). No difference in the main outcomes of pregnancy were found between skin-lightener users and the others; however, women using highly potent steroids, when compared with those who did not, had a statistically significant lower plasma cortisol level and a smaller placenta, and presented a higher rate of low-birth-weight infants. Skin lightening is a common practice during pregnancy in Dakar, and the use of steroids may result in consequences in the mother and her child. © 2006 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Authors & Co-Authors
Mahé, A.
Senegal, Dakar
Institut Dhygiène Sociale Dakar
Perret, J. L.
France, Metz
Hôpital D'instruction Des Armées Legouest
Ly, Fatoumata
Senegal, Dakar
Institut Dhygiène Sociale Dakar
Fall, Fatoumata
Senegal, Dakar
Institut Dhygiène Sociale Dakar
Rault, J. P.
France, Metz
Hôpital D'instruction Des Armées Legouest
Dumont, Alexandre
Senegal
Hôpital Roi Baudoin
Statistics
Citations: 95
Authors: 6
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.06.007
ISSN:
00359203
Research Areas
Environmental
Health System And Policy
Maternal And Child Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Cohort Study
Study Locations
Senegal
Participants Gender
Female