Public warned against use of chemical laden cosmetics.

The public is cautioned over the use of chemical laden cosmetics especially on children as hospitals report a worrisome surge in skin asthma cases.

 

Skin asthma or eczema is commonly found in young children and usually involves inflammation of the skin that becomes very itchy mostly behind the knees, elbows, armpits, or the interior ear folds. While not contagious, skin asthma should be treated promptly because it can often be the sign of an underlying disorder or lead to other problems.

 

The threat was made public mid-last week by Dr Nahrasco Mang’ondi of the Weill Bugando Hospital in Mwanza Region. 

“Skin asthma is increasingly becoming a challenge and especially to children,” he warned. 

 

Dr Mang’ondi said 13 per cent of patients with skin related problems reporting to the hospital are diagnosed with skin asthma and that the problem is bigger in children under the age of 10 years.

 

In an exclusive interview with The Guardian yesterday in Dar es Salaam, spokesperson with the Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) Gaudensia Simwanza, said the specific chemicals responsible for the disease are yet to be identified.

 

However, “…we urge the public to remain vigilant and check the ingredients of all cosmetics before they buy and apply them,” she said.

 

“We have banned several chemicals like mercury, hydroquinone and steroid…the public should watch out for these chemicals…a product with mercury or other banned chemicals should not be used and we urge the public to report any shops that have cosmetics with these chemicals,” she said.

 

“If you don’t take precaution the effects can be devastating,” cautioned the TFDA Public Relations Officer.

 

She said taking preventive measures by being cautious is the best defence; “Everyone should read the labels on all products make sure the ingredients used to make the product are safe,” she emphasised.   

 

The TFDA has banned cosmetics that contain Hydroquinone and Steroid like Clear Essence skin beautifying milk for sensitive skin, Fair & White Clarifiance fade cream and several other Fair & White products including the Fair & White So White Skin Perfector Gel.

 

It has also banned New Youth Tinted Vanishing Cream, Skin Success Fade Cream Regular, Mareme Cream and Si Claire Plus Cream among others.

 

A list of banned cosmetics can be found on the TFDA website and the public as well as business persons are urged to visit the site and familiarise themselves with the banned products. 

 

“Selling products that contain banned chemicals is a violation of the law and will attract stringent legal action,” warned the TFDA spokesperson.

 

Babies and children with a weak immune system or respiratory ailments such as asthma may be especially prone to contract skin asthma.

 

Skin asthma appears as red, scaly inflamed patches or as cracked skin with small white bumps that are very itchy but excessive scratching is discouraged since it can lead to infection.

 

People struggling with skin asthma are encouraged to keep their skin hydrated all the time by drinking a minimum of three liters of water every day and applying moisturiser frequently and use medicated moisturiser to avoid infection from allergens.

 

Generally, the public is advised to consume a well balanced diet to build a powerful immune system. Intake of multi-vitamin and omega-3 fatty acids supplements is also vital to build the immune system.

 

Since the intensity to itch becomes stronger during the night, patients are urged to cut their nails short so the skin isn’t harmed even if they do scratch in their sleep.

 

Section 86 of Tanzania Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2003 requires that all cosmetic products sold, distributed or manufactured in Tanzania be registered by the Authority.