Journal article
Women's perceptions of the benefits and risks of skin-lightening creams in two South African communities
N Dlova, SH Hamed, J Tsoka-Gwegweni, A Grobler, R Hift
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology | WILEY-BLACKWELL | Published : 2014
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12104
Abstract
Background: Skin-lightening products are commonly used by black communities in South Africa and worldwide. This practice has deep historical and cultural roots and is associated with adverse cutaneous effects. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 579 African and Indian women aged 18-70 years was conducted in two large public hospitals in Durban, South Africa. Results: There were 292 Africans and 287 Indians included in the survey sample. Of these 32.3% had used skin-lightening products (60% of Africans and 40% of Indians). Most of those who had used skin lighteners (85 of Africans and 76% of Indians) claimed awareness of the adverse effects of the products, although this did not appear to in..
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Awarded by Fogarty International Center
Funding Acknowledgements
We thank Prof David Katerere (Tshwane University of Technology), Professor Lynn M. Thomas Professor and Chair, Department of History, University of Washington, Seattle, USA and Dr Themba Mabaso, of Durdoc Medical Centre, Durban for their invaluable intellectual input and critique of the manuscript, and the support received from the Department of Dermatology UKZN and the secretarial services of Miss Phakama Jika and Lungie Shabalala.