Study Finds A Kidney Problem And Even Kidney Failure From Certain Skin Care Brands

by feedme on August 23, 2010

A possibly-fatal kidney problem or other organ damage may result from using certain imported skin bleaching creams, according to a recent investigative report published in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.

The Tribune did an independent investigation of 50 skin bleaching creams and lotions and discovered that some contained , and this is a quote, “toxic” mercury levels. The results were published May 18, 2010.

The products are marketed as a way of lightening age spots and freckles.

Mercury is dangerous because it can cause big trouble for several organs including the heart, lungs, and brain. Kidney problems, possibly including renal failure, are one of the biggest threats.

When your kidneys fail, the prognosis can be grim. There are only two ways to save your life: these include kidney transplant operation or dialysis.

Excessive mercury levels can enter the body after being spread on the skin. The degree of danger varies according to the individual’s BMI or Body Mass Index and a variety of other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers anything above one gram of mercury per kilogram (2.2 pounds) to be excessive. Doses that exceed the maximum can trigger life-threatening diseases. Small doses can build up over time, creating long term problems.

Mercury can trigger eye problems, blurred vision and trouble walking. It can compromise organ function, and in some cases, end in death. Mercury can be especially dangerous for the unborn babies of pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

Mercury has not been legal for use in skin lightening products since 1990 when it was banned by the Food and Drug Administration. The Tribune’s investigation found that products are easy to find nonetheless. The FDA told the Tribune that it has fewer than 500 inspectors who can review imported product information, making it possible for some dangerous brands to avoid testing .

The Tribune sent 50 skin cream samples to an independent lab for testing. Six contained mercury levels that were higher than legal limits in the United States. 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 dermatologist in the Chicago area, Dr. Jonith Breadon, admitted to being “shocked and speechless” that products with such high mercury content in them are so readily available.

Retailers who had the creams and lotions on their shelves and promised to remove them. Two companies that were distributing the products say they will discontinue them.

Freckles and age spot lighteners have become extremely popular in the U.S. in the past few years. Sales have been especially good among certain ethnic groups. Sales are expected to go above 75 million annually by 2015.

Among the other skin lightening products tested during the investigation, the highest levels of mercury were found in a product called Stillman’s Skin Bleach Cream. Other products wereTop-Gel MCA Extra Pearl Cream, Creme Diana CTR, Ling Ji Su, Lulanjina, and Shabright Clear and Bright Skin Formula.

Many popular skin care products tested by the Tribune contained no mercury at all.

Read more about these kidney problems and others by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.

A number of doctors who were contacted by the Tribune said that anyone who wants a safe skin lightening product can get one by prescription. They also pointed out that such creams should be used only for lightening freckles and age spots, not for bleaching naturally dark skin.

Lern more about other kidney problems and related topics by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.

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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

prasna October 7, 2010 at 1:07 pm

i m kidney pationt in india cant afford medical expences.pls help me ac no 11203445440 state bank of india on line trancfer can be done u can send any amount no minimum reqiermeny

Kian Ferrer March 2, 2011 at 2:47 am

Hi there.. Thank you for sharing this informative contents that i can used or apply in my daily life.. I am looking forward to see more contents like this :)

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Kathleen mahadeo September 23, 2011 at 3:43 am

I am used Singh the. Stillman. Cream but I stop please. Help. Me

Michelle Yue October 20, 2011 at 1:31 am

Hi, I’m Michelle Yue,Very interesting to read this blog.. I really do appreciate what you are written.. And I’m sure to be back again for the latest update of your blog. I am looking forward to see more content like this .. Keep it up and keep on writing this kind of blog ..

If you have time you can also visit this site that I managed to surf in:
Renal Failure Treatment and KidneyCoach

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