A recent study found that fairness creams are linked to the rising cases of kidney problems in India.
Published in the Kidney International Journal, researchers from Aster MIMS Hospital claimed that certain fairness creams contain high levels of mercury, which could have detrimental effects on the kidneys.
Fairness creams have been a part of the skincare market for decades now. These creams are sold by manufacturers who claim that these skincare products can lighten or brighten the skin tone.
They could sometimes contain ingredients like hydroquinone, steroids, and other chemicals that might be harmful to the skin and the body.
The study found a link between the increasing use of fairness creams with high levels of mercury and the development of membranous nephropathy (MN), a disorder that damages the kidney filters and causes protein leakage.
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease in which your body attacks its own kidneys due to damage in its filters.
The results of the study showed that approximately 68% of the total 22 participants tested positive for NELL-1, a rare form of MN that is linked to cancer.
They experienced symptoms of fatigue, oedema, increased frothing of urine, and elevated protein levels in their urine.
One patient developed cerebral vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the brain, but renal function was preserved in all.
It was found that a majority of the patients used skin-fairness creams before the start of their symptoms.
CAN FAIRNESS CREAMS CAUSE KIDNEY DAMAGE?
We spoke to doctors to understand how high levels of mercury present in certain fairness creams could affect the kidneys.
In a post on X, Dr Sajeesh Sivadas, one of the researchers of the study, wrote, “They’ve (fairness creams) become a major cause of Nephrotic Syndrome in our hospital over the past 2 years. These creams, widely available in India’s unregulated markets, promise quick results, but at what cost? Users often describe a disturbing addiction, as stopping usage leads to even darker skin.”
Dr Bhawuk Dhir, Consultant, Dermatology, PSRI Hospital, said people should watch out for “unregulated” fairness creams.
“Sometimes, because certain creams contain a lot of contaminants and ingredients that have not been accounted for or even mentioned in the ingredients list, we have to be careful,” Dr Bhawuk Dhir told IndiaToday.In.
Dr Meenu Malik, Consultant, Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Aakash Hospital, said that one shouldn’t generalise that all fairness creams are bad but those containing banned active agents shouldn’t be used.
“Mercury levels in a cream should not contain more than one part per million or more than one microgram per gram of mercury in any fairness cream or any other product. But we still see many of these creams across the globe that contain high levels of mercury and thereby, the damaging effects are pretty common,” said Dr Meenu Malik.
Dr Dhir added that high mercury levels in certain creams get deposited in the kidneys, where the immune system recognises it as an antigen. “With this, the body reacts and starts attacking its own kidneys,” he said.
“However, if you apply a prescribed cream or a moisturiser that has a visible ingredient list and follows all the rules and regulations laid out by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, then you’re safe,” said Dr Dhir.
Regarding skincare, the expert advised using products recommended by dermatologists or qualified practitioners.
The expert said that kidney issues caused by unregulated skincare products because of toxic ingredients have been quite common over the past few years.
“In India, although there are rules governing the manufacturer and display of ingredients for these products. They are mostly applied to allopathic medications but not to alternative medications,” said Dr Dhir.
Certain alternative products are sold under the guise of “fairness solution” but in reality, they contain ingredients that are harmful to the skin and the rest of the system, he added.
Concerning the study, Dr Malik said that there’s no need to panic, but one should be watchful of what they’re applying on their skin.
The side effects of mercury aren’t just limited to a person. If a breastfeeding mother is using a mercury-laden fairness cream for a long time, it is most likely going to spread to the baby.
“There have been case reports of children as young as 10 months being affected by mercury side effects,” Dr Malik said.
Early symptoms of mercury side effects from fairness creams include slate grey hyperpigmentation or skin folds.
“Check for skin rash, high blood pressure, weight loss, loss of appetite, headaches, tremors and fatigue. These are the tell-tale signs that the creams are causing underlying side effects on our organs,” said Dr Malik.
She added if you find out that your fairness cream has mercury don’t simply dispose it off in the dustbin. Instead, wrap it in a sealed plastic bag and then dispose of it.
Immediately consult a doctor and check your mercury levels in the blood and urine so that the necessary measures can be taken.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
