[Prevalence of skin disorders associated with the use of bleaching cosmetics by Lome women].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of cutaneous complications among women who used bleaching cosmetics in Lomé, Togo. Of 536 women who used these cosmetics, 371 (69.2%) had at least one dermatological complication. The bleaching agents used were mercury derivatives (30.9%), hydroquinones (24%), topical corticosteroids (18.5%) and products of unknown composition (25.6%). The main dermatological side-effects were hypochromia (62.8%), hyperchromia (2.7%), melanoleucoderma (8.1%), acne (11.6%), and skin trophic disorders (14.8%). The occurrence of these complications was associated with the length of time for which the chemicals were used and the simultaneous use of different classes of these cosmetics. This study shows that dermatological complications are common in women using skin-bleaching cosmetics.