Skin Lightening Creams: A Possible Cause Of Kidney Problems?

A serious kidney problem may result from using certain skin bleaching creams, according to a recent investigation published in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.

The Tribune investigated approximately fifty skin bleaching products and found that some contained quoting here "toxic" levels of mercury. The results appeared in a recent edition.

The products are designed to be used for lightening freckles and age spots.

Mercury is dangerous because it can cause problems for several organs including the heart, lungs, and brain. Kidney problems, possibly including kidney failure, are one of the most serious threats.

High mercury levels can enter the body after being spread on the skin. The degree of danger varies depending on the individual's BMI or Body Mass Index and a number of other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers more than one gram of mercury per kilogram (2.2 pounds) to be excessive. Amounts in excess of the limit can cause life-threatening diseases. Minute amounts can build up over time, creating long term problems.

Mercury can result in vision problems, blurry vision and trouble walking. It can shut down organs, and in extreme cases, be fatal. Mercury is especially dangerous for the fetuses of pregnant women, infants and small children.

Mercury has been illegal for use in skin lightening products since 1990 when it was banned by the Food and Drug Administration. The Tribune's investigation revealed that products are readily available nonetheless. The FDA told the Tribune that it has less than 500 inspectors who can investigate imported products, making it possible for some products to avoid testing.

The Tribune sent 50 skin cream samples to an independent lab for testing. Six contained levels of mercury that were higher than legal limits in the U.S. Five of the six had levels of 6,000 parts per million of mercury, which is high enough to cause kidney damage.

The products came to the U.S. from Lebanon, China, India, Pakistan and Taiwan.

One Chicago dermatologist, Dr. Jonith Breadon, said he was "shocked and speechless" that products with such high mercury content in them are so readily available.

Sales outlets which had the products in stock and promised to remove them. Two companies that were distributing the products say they will discontinue them.

Freckles and age spot lighteners have become big sellers in the United States in recent years. Sales have been especially good among Asian, Hispanic and African-American ethnic groups. Sales are expected to go above 75 million annually by 2015.

Among the other lotions and creams tested by the Tribune, the highest levels of mercury were found in a product called Stillman's Skin Bleach Cream. Other products includedTop-Gel MCA Extra Pearl Cream, Creme Diana CTR, Ling Ji Su, Lulanjina, and Shabright Clear and Bright Skin Formula.

A number of popular skin lightening creams tested by the Tribune did not include mercury at all.

Several doctors who talked to the Tribune said that anyone who wants a safe skin lightening product can get one by prescription. They also pointed out that such products be used only for lightening spots and freckles, not for bleaching skin that is naturally dark.