Avoid bleaching creams; they’re dangerous, cause cancer — Skin Expert advises

Founder of Rabito Clinic and renowned dermatologist, Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle, has advised Ghanaians to stay away from skin bleaching products, warning that they are dangerous and can cause cancer.

He said prolonged use of such creams, often laced with toxic substances like mercury and lead, not only damages the skin but also poses serious health risks including liver disease, kidney failure and skin cancer.

Prof. Delle made the comments while speaking to ModernGhana News on the sidelines of the opening of Rabito Clinic’s 19th branch at Ashongman Estate in Accra on Friday, July 18.

According to him, many people fall victim to misleading cosmetic adverts and apply creams that destroy their natural pigmentation, leaving their skin vulnerable to sun damage and disease.

The dermatologist stressed that it is important for the public to be educated on the issue instead of resorting to criticism as part of efforts to help curb the trend.

“These bleaching creams are not good. We used to say they lead to cancer, but now it’s confirmed — if you use them for a long time, you can develop squamous cell carcinomas,” Prof. Delle said.

He further cautioned against mothers using such harmful products on their babies, describing it as a “sad and dangerous” practice.

“Some of these creams contain mercury and lead. These things poison the body. Have you not heard of mothers bleaching their little babies? It’s very sad. My plan is to educate people, not criticize them,” he stated.