EFFECTS OF COMMONLY AVAILABLE WHITENING CREAMS ON THE HAIR FOLLICLES OF GUINEA PIG SKIN

BACKGROUND: The trend of lightening the skin is becoming a serious problem. Depigmentation creams are widely available as nonprescription cosmetic preparations in many local markets and shops. OBJCETIVES: To determine the effects of over the counter available skin whitening creams on the hair follicles of guinea pig skin. To highlight the significance of awareness in general population about the use of non-prescription skin lightening creams. METHODS: Sample size of 48 adult, guinea pigs were used in this experiment. The animals were randomly divided into four groups. Group I (control group) this group was applied with no cream and group II, III and IV (experimental groups) all were applied with skin whitening creams A, B and C respectively once every day, six days a week for four and eight weeks duration. The skin specimens were examined at histological level. RESULTS: Microscopic examination after 4 weeks duration showed variable degree of increased size of hair follicles from 104.8µm in group l to the maximum of 130.5µm in group lll. The effects were exaggerated after eight weeks duration. CONCLUSION: The use of skin lightening creams caused varying degrees of side effects so damage the skin.