A recent study published in the medical journal Kidney International has shed light on the alarming surge in kidney problems in India, particularly linked to the use of skin fairness creams. These creams, popularized by society’s obsession with fair skin, contain high levels of mercury, which is known to be harmful to the kidneys.
The study, conducted by researchers including Dr. Sajeesh Sivadas from the Department of Nephrology at Aster MIMS Hospital, Kottakkal, Kerala, revealed a concerning connection between the use of fairness creams and Membranous Nephropathy (MN), a condition that damages kidney filters and causes protein leakage into the urine.
According to Dr. Sivadas, mercury present in these creams gets absorbed through the skin, wreaking havoc on kidney filters and leading to a surge in nephrotic syndrome cases. The study examined 22 cases of MN reported between July 2021 and September 2023, with patients showing symptoms such as fatigue, mild edema, and increased frothing of urine.
Of the 22 cases studied, 68 percent were positive for neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1), a rare form of MN associated with malignancy. Shockingly, 13 out of these 15 patients admitted to using skin fairness creams before the onset of symptoms.
While most cases resolved upon discontinuation of the creams, the study underscores the urgent need for public awareness about the hazards of using such products. Dr. Sivadas also pointed fingers at social media influencers and actors who promote these creams, contributing to a multibillion-dollar industry perpetuating their use.
The study concludes that the use of skin fairness creams poses a significant public health risk and calls for immediate action to regulate these harmful products and protect public health.
