Barbados confiscates skin bleaching creams

Barbados confiscates skin bleaching creams

Barbados health authorities say they have confiscated creams being advertised here to lighten their skin amid various health concerns. The Barbados Drug Service (BDS) said the creams found on store shelves are advertised to lighten the skin, but which may also cause a variety of complications.

The BDS said that under the instructions of the Barbados Pharmacy Council, it has confiscated all products deemed to contravene the Second Schedule of the Pharmacy Act, CAP 372D.

“There has been a surge in the use of steroidal creams to lighten the skin.  The creams are being sold in some beauty supply stores in Barbados.  These products are given various names designed to attract attention as beautifying agents, without any warning of the dangers of using them,” the BDS said.

The Drug Service has identified the list of complications from using these products as atrophy or wasting away at the site of application, rosacea, irritancy, and allergy, among other complications.  It further advised that the internal absorption of topical steroids could cause a mild Cushing’s syndrome reaction, or could suppress the patient’s own cortisol supply.