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Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

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Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
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Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

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The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
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Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

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The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
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Skin Cancer01:30

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Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

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Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
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The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
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Burn Injuries01:22

Burn Injuries

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Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
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Identification of proteins associated with development of metastasis from cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) via proteomic analysis of primary cSCCs.

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Author Spotlight: Non-Surgical Treatment of Melasma– Microneedling with Tranexamic Acid
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Skin lightening: causes and complications.

M Sommerlad1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Homerton University Hospital, London, UK.

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|October 12, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Skin bleaching, or skin lightening, involves using agents to lighten skin tone, often containing harmful drugs like hydroquinone. Dermatologists can identify risks, manage complications, and advise against these dangerous practices.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Public Health
  • Cosmetic Science

Background:

  • Skin bleaching, also termed skin lightening, is the intentional lightening of skin tone without medical oversight.
  • It is driven by complex socioeconomic and beauty standards associating lighter skin with higher status.
  • Melanin-inhibiting agents, including hydroquinone, potent steroids, and mercury, are commonly used.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the risks and complications associated with unsupervised skin bleaching.
  • To define the role of dermatologists in managing adverse effects and educating patients.
  • To address the societal factors contributing to the demand for skin lightening.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the mechanisms of skin lightening agents.

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  • Analysis of the health risks and complications.
  • Discussion of the socioeconomic drivers and dermatologists' role.

    • Main Results:

    • Skin lightening agents interfere with melanin production and can contain dangerous substances.
    • Adverse effects include serious local and systemic complications.
    • Despite being illegal in many regions, the skin lightening industry is a multi-billion dollar market.

    Conclusions:

    • Dermatologists are crucial in identifying at-risk individuals, managing complications, and advising on pigmentation.
    • Societal change is necessary to challenge the preference for lighter skin and promote diverse representation.
    • Education on physiological pigmentation variations and safe alternatives is essential.