The Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NDA) has urged Nigerians to embrace healthy skin practices, celebrate the beauty of natural skin colours and reject harmful skin-bleaching practices, warning that the growing use of skin-lightening products poses serious public health risks.

The association also cautioned against self-medication, particularly the use of steroid-containing creams and unregulated skin-lightening products without medical advice, noting that while such products may temporarily improve skin conditions, they often cause severe long-term damage and make underlying diseases more difficult to treat.

A member of the Publicity Committee of the NDA and Consultant Dermatologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, gave the warning during activities marking this year’s World Skin Health Day, themed: ‘Skin Health Beyond Skin Colour – Better Knowledge, Better Skin Health’.

She noted that skin diseases are among the most common health conditions worldwide, affecting people of all ages. These include infections, eczema, acne, psoriasis, vitiligo, albinism-related skin complications, fungal infections and skin cancers.

According to her, although many skin diseases are preventable and treatable, delayed presentation, misinformation, self-medication and limited access to specialist care often result in avoidable complications.

Cole-Adeife identified skin bleaching as one of the major public health concerns highlighted during this year’s campaign, noting that the practice has become increasingly widespread across many African countries. She attributed the trend to harmful beauty standards, colourism, misinformation and aggressive marketing of skin-lightening products.

The dermatologist explained that many of the products contain dangerous substances, including potent corticosteroids, mercury and excessive concentrations of hydroquinone.

She warned that prolonged use of such products can cause permanent skin damage, severe acne, difficult-to-treat infections, stretch marks, delayed wound healing, kidney damage, adrenal suppression and other serious health complications.

“Skin bleaching is not merely a cosmetic issue; it is a significant public health concern that requires education, stronger regulation, responsible marketing and community engagement,” she said.

Cole-Adeife advised Nigerians to avoid skin-lightening products with unknown or harmful ingredients and instead embrace their natural skin colour while maintaining healthy skin through proper cleansing, regular moisturising, sun protection, good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.

She disclosed that the association is collaborating with government agencies, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, public health experts, civil society organisations and community leaders to promote evidence-based skin health education.

According to her, the campaign includes community outreach programmes, healthcare worker training, stakeholder engagement, public lectures, digital advocacy and a Pan-African webinar bringing together experts to discuss strategies for reducing the burden of skin bleaching across the continent.

Cole-Adeife, who also leads the Skin Health Project, said dermatologists worldwide commemorate World Skin Health Day to raise awareness of skin diseases, promote healthy skin practices and improve access to quality dermatological care.

She explained that this year’s theme seeks to shift attention from changing skin colour to protecting skin health. “It reminds us that healthy skin is not determined by how light or dark it is. Healthy skin is skin that performs its natural functions, protects the body from disease and contributes to overall wellbeing,” she said.

The dermatologist urged Nigerians to obtain skincare information from qualified healthcare professionals instead of relying on misinformation circulating on social media or advice from unqualified vendors.

She advised people experiencing persistent rashes, non-healing wounds, changing moles, severe itching, unexplained skin colour changes or other persistent skin conditions to seek prompt medical attention.

Cole-Adeife explained that skin diseases have diverse causes, including bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections, allergic reactions, genetic disorders, immune system diseases, environmental exposure, excessive sunlight, certain medications and unhealthy lifestyle habits such as poor hygiene, smoking, unhealthy diets, stress and inappropriate skincare practices.

She lamented that many skin problems are now linked to the misuse of skin-lightening products containing potent steroids, mercury and high concentrations of hydroquinone, which damage the skin’s protective barrier and increase the risk of infections, acne, severe pigmentation disorders and other long-term complications.

She stressed that many skin diseases can be prevented through simple measures such as maintaining good hygiene without excessive washing or harsh products, regular moisturising, protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen where appropriate.

“Healthy skin is not about having lighter skin; it is about having skin that functions well and is free from disease,” she said.

Cole-Adeife also advised Nigerians to avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors, seek prompt treatment for skin infections, maintain healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables, reduce consumption of sugar and processed foods, and always consult qualified healthcare professionals before using products that claim to lighten the skin.