Systemic Complications and Skin Cancers Due to Voluntary Cosmetic Depigmentation in Sub-Saharan Africa

Skin lightening is a fairly common practice in sub-Saharan Africa, with the epidemiological extent of this fashion phenomenon. To date, no awareness-raising campaign has resulted in a reduction in the frequency of this practice, even with the knowledge of its complications. Systemic complications and skin cancers following the use of depigmenting cosmetics are not as rare as people tend to believe. Systemic complications and skin cancers are among the voluntary cosmetic consequences. Another way of raising awareness needs to be reinvented to effectively raise awareness of the harmful effects of depigmentation. Key words: Systemic complications, Skin cancers, Voluntary depigmentation