According to a study, fairness creams are linked to dangerous kidney diseases in India
Recent research found that the unabashed use of fairness cosmetics is significantly contributing to the rise in renal diseases in India. Researchers claim that renal problems are made worse by the high concentration of mercury in these lotions.
According to research that was written up in the medical journal Kidney International, mercury is the cause of membrane Nephropathy, or MN, a disorder that damages kidney filters and results in protein leakage.
One of the several glomerular disorders that cause nephrotic syndrome, sometimes referred to as membranous glomerulopathy (MN), is characterized by severe proteinuria and may also cause peripheral edema, hypertension, foamy urine, and thromboembolic events.
Experts say that if you have this illness, your urine will contain an excessive amount of protein excreted by your body.
In a post on X, one of the researchers, Dr. Sajeesh Sivadas from the Department of Nephrology at Aster MIMS Hospital in Kottakkal, Kerala, said that mercury is absorbed via the skin and damages kidney filters, which causes an increase in instances of nephrotic syndrome.
“These creams promise speedy effects, but at what cost? They are readily accessible in India’s unregulated marketplaces. Because quitting results in even darker skin, users often report a worrisome addiction,” he said.
The research
The study looked at 22 instances of MN that were recorded between July 2021 and September 2023, according to the researchers. The patients arrived at the hospital exhibiting symptoms such as
Weary
minimal edema
elevated foaming in the pee
A blood clot in the brain, known as cerebral vein thrombosis, also occurred in one of the patients.
According to the research findings, neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1), a very uncommon type of MN, was positive in almost 68% of the 22 patients.
Before their symptoms appeared, thirteen patients had acknowledged using skin-fairness products. Additionally, several of the other individuals had already used traditional indigenous remedies.
“The majority of instances were resolved when the instigating creams were stopped. The researchers in the report said that “this poses a potential risk to public health. It is imperative to spread public awareness about hazards of using such products and alert health authorities to curb this menace.”
Additional skin side effects of mercury exposure
Physicians assert that the US Food and Drug Administration has repeatedly issued warnings on the use of lotions, antiseptic soaps, and skin creams due to their high mercury content.
These substances, also known by the names mercurious chloride, calomel, mercuric, or Mercurio, are used as wrinkle removers, age spots, freckles, and other signs of aging on the skin.
Studies show that teens and young adults are the main users of these items to treat acne, and that via skin absorption and inhaling mercury vapours, they are exposed to mercury.
High-risk skin exposures to mercury include:
Both dermatitis and skin rashes
Changes in mood
loss of memory
Mental health conditions such as anxiety and sadness
weakened muscles
