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A new study has highlighted a concerning correlation between the use of skin fairness creams and a surge in kidney problems in India, shedding light on the health risks associated with these widely popular cosmetic products.

Driven by society’s pervasive obsession with fair skin, skin fairness creams have established a lucrative market in India. However, the excessive presence of mercury in these creams is now recognized as a significant threat to kidney health.

Published in the medical journal Kidney International, the study revealed that the increased use of fairness creams containing high levels of mercury is contributing to cases of Membranous Nephropathy (MN), a condition characterized by damage to kidney filters and protein leakage.

Dr. Sajeesh Sivadas from the Department of Nephrology at Aster MIMS Hospital, Kottakkal, Kerala, expressed concern over the detrimental impact of mercury on kidney function. “Mercury gets absorbed through the skin, wreaking havoc on kidney filters and leading to a surge in nephrotic syndrome cases,” Dr. Sivadas stated.

Highlighting the alarming consequences of using these creams, Dr. Sivadas emphasized the addictive nature reported by users and the adverse effects on health, including the exacerbation of kidney disorders.

The study analyzed 22 cases of MN reported between July 2021 and September 2023 at Aster MIMS Hospital. Patients presented with subtle symptoms such as fatigue, mild edema, and increased frothing of urine, with elevated protein levels detected in urine samples.

Significantly, 68 per cent of patients tested positive for neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1), a rare form of MN associated with malignancy, with most admitting to prior use of skin fairness creams.

Dr. Sivadas stressed the urgent need for public awareness campaigns to educate individuals about the hazards of using such products and urged health authorities to take action to regulate their sale and distribution.

Blaming social media influencers and celebrities for promoting these creams, Dr. Sivadas labeled the situation a public health crisis and called for immediate regulatory measures to safeguard public health.

The findings underscore the importance of vigilant consumer behavior and regulatory oversight to mitigate the health risks posed by skin fairness creams containing harmful ingredients like mercury.

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