Alarmed by the side effects of skin-lightening creams packed with steroids and other strong chemicals, the Centre has brought out draft norms to curb their sale over the counter across the country.
Fair and glowing skin in a matter of hours or days. This claim is enough to propel the sales numbers of a skin cream irrespective of the chemicals in the formulation. But the free reign of such products may soon come to an end.
Alarmed by the side effects of skin-lightening creams packed with steroids and other strong chemicals, the Centre has brought out draft norms to curb their sale over the counter across the country. The government has proposed to make a doctor's prescription must for these skin products.
The move follows representations by consumer and medical bodies, including the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL). According to these organisations, skin-lightening creams can cause redness and swelling of skin, leave a burning or stinging sensation. The other adverse effects include itchy and flaky skin, skin turning dark or too light, thinning of the skin, visible blood vessels in the skin and scarring.
The Union Health Ministry has issued a notification to amend the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945, seeking suggestions and objections from citizens and other stakeholders.
It has floated draft rules that say that steroids with or without hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, and tretinoin must be sold against a prescription.
Senior IADVL member and leading dermatologist Dr Shyam Verma told DNA that some of the creams meant to clear dark spots are often sold with names suggesting that they can turn the user's skin fair. "They are bought over the counter and used without supervision which is not only illogical but outrightly dangerous. This is due to the steroid content and two other molecules which have an irritant profile, especially in sunlight. This can lead to short and long-term side effects as mentioned above."
Dr Verma, however, added that the onus lies on the Drug Controller General of India for effective implementation of rules. "It needs to be seen what punitive measures will be taken against errant chemists for OTC sale despite a stern warning."
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