The aim of this study was
to examine the use of bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, corticosteroids
and mercury for skin lightening among higher secondary school students in central
Sudan. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted at 19 different
girls’ schools. A total of 1187 young students aged 16 - 19 years old were
randomly selected and approached, using a well-structured questionnaire. The
main outcome measure was a number of epidemiological factors per abusers.
Results revealed that, 55.4% of the respondents misused this product, whilst
51.6% of girls used cosmetics to lighten their skin for 1 - 3 years with skin
irritations prevalence of 3.3%, and the face
was reported as main application site (35.4%). In conclusion, the lack
of health awareness and
ignorance was the main causative factor, whilst education, competent
authorities awareness and prescriptions restrictions were highly recommended.
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