DON'T BLEACH THE SKIN OF CHILDREN

THE President of the Ghana Society of Dermatology, Professor Margaret Lartey has called on parents to stop bleaching the skins of their children, since bleaching has many consequences, including the inability of the skin to resist diseases.
She made the call at launch of the Ghana Society of Dermatology, at the La palm Royal Beach Hotel, in Accra.
According to Professor Margaret Lartey, some of the substances for bleaching absorbed by the skin result in hypertension, diabetes, weak bones (osteoporosis) and in children, stunted growth.
“We also want to make a strong appeal to the Food and Drugs Board and the Ghana Revenue Authority. to help rid our markets of the dangerous drugs being peddled by cosmetics,” she said.
She equally appealed to the Government to place on the National Health Insurance drug list, (NHIS) medicines with little side effects for the treatment of skin disorders.
The Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, Mrs. Juliana Azumah Mensah, who was represented by a Director of MOWAC, Mrs. Evelyn Agyin Agyemfra disclosed that for many years, beauty has been associated with being fair, causing affection for dark skin.
The demand for light skin complexion has created a multi-billion dollar industry in skin bleaching products, which found their way to the markets, she said.
She was optimistic that the launch of the society will receive serious attention from the public.
This is because in their attempt to bleach their skins to look beautiful women often ended up as victims of hazardous substances.
“I am therefore particularly happy that, that Ghana Society of Dermatology is being revived after 30 years of dormancy, to promote healthy skin care and also provide quality treatment for skin diseases” she added.
The Ghana Society for Dermatology was formed in the 1970’s, with the aim of bringing together all dermatologists their and associates, to promote quality skin care.
The Deputy Minister of Health, who was represented by the Director of Procurement and Supply, Mr Samuel Boateng save the assurance that the Ministry of Health would work closely with the Society, to improve the dermatology manpower in Ghana.
He called for the introduction of courses in dermatology in the University of Health and Allied Sciences Ho in the Volta region.
Mr Boateng charged the Society to come back the next two years to show its achievements to the health sector.
There was a sketch on skin bleaching to educate as well as warn people on the effects of skin bleaching.