Background.
Using skin-lightening compounds for a cosmetic purpose that are normally restricted to medical use or forbidden
has become a world-wide practice. Complications are numerous. Immigrant communities often import their practice from their
original country.
Methods.
A review of the literature on the subject of complications of cosmetic skin-bleaching, with special focus on data
concerning immigrants originating from highly endemic countries, was conducted.
Results.
Complications of cosmetic skin-bleaching are common, involving mainly the skin although some general complications
are also reported with a growing incidence.
Conclusion.
The high frequency of this practice, added to the frequency of various complications, suggests it might be considered
as a genuine public health problem currently.