The Risks of Skin Lightening Creams with Steroids
Long-Term Side Effects & Damage Caused by Steroids
Corticosteroid and steroid creams are prescribed by doctors to treat inflammation from skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. These corticosteroid or steroid creams contain powerful ingredients like Clobetasol Propionate, Fluocinolone Acetonide or Betamethasone Dipropionate. Although these are legal creams that if used properly have good effects, they are being misused and abused due to the skin lightening side effect of steroid creams.
Many have been illegally selling and marketing steroid creams as skin bleaching creams. This is a way to capitalize or monetize the known side effects of using steroid creams. The mechanics behind steroid cream-induced skin lightening is not yet understood. However, one theory is that steroids may reduce the number of melanocytes or melanocyte activity in the skin.
The Black Market sale of steroid creams as skin lighteners pose a huge treat to consumers who buy these creams with the belief these creams are safe for bleaching. Most users of these creams are unaware of the dangerous side effects of prolonged steroid use.
Steroids by nature are :
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Immunosuppressive
- Anti-Proliferative
- Vasoconstrictive
- Skin Thinning
- Stretch Marks
- Enlarged Blood Vessels
- Easy Bruising
- Localized Increase of Hair Thickness & Length
If you have have hyperpigmentation, it's best to seek professional help. There are options available to lighten hyperpigmentation and even out the skin without the dangers of steroids. Chemical peels and lightening creams provided by skin care professionals can provide a safe alternative to steroids.
