[Dermatologic complications of the cosmetic use of bleaching agents in Bamako (Mali)].

This study was conducted to determine the dermatological complications related to the use of bleaching agents in Bamako, Mali. Patients who were referred to the Marchoux Institute with complications were studied retrospectively. Over a period of 1 year, 74 complications were observed including acne (n = 25), infectious dermatoses modified by the application of local corticosteroids, and in particular dermatophytosis (n = 15), dyschromia (n = 11, including 3 cases of exogenous ochronosis), contact eczema, papular annular lesions and vibices. This pathology is frequent in Bamako and the diagnosis is quite difficult since the patients usually deny use of bleaching agents.