COSMETICS CAUSE CANCER, INFERTILITY … Dermatologist at KATH warns women “The message is that if you are fond of using eyelashes around the eyes, then be reminded that you are really inviting trouble of irritation, an infection or glaucoma, for yours

 

From Richard Owusu-Akyaw, Kumasi

Cosmetics-loving women could suffer from mental disorders, among other deadly diseases, in their quest to add value to their beauty. Users of the products also risk infertility, cancer, depression, anaemia and other diseases, Dr. Martin Agyei, a Dermatologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi warned.

The use of cosmetics has permeated almost every sphere of society, so much so, that, at funerals, people are seen in their cosmetic glories as they mourn the dead, a culture which is largely un-Ghanaian. The trend has become so fashionable that people are cashing in big time, with several others joining the band wagon to learn the supposedly deadly fashion.

According to Dr. Agyei: “Lipstick, for instance, contains a substance called Aluminum, which, when accumulated in the body, can cause anemia, and your blood level comes down and can result in glucose intolerance, leading to diabetes, all from aluminum in the lipstick applied.

Most of the compounds that contain mercury and barium-sulphate, can also affect the liver and the kidney, he said, adding: “In fact, mercury, for example, is another component found among bleaching products.”

In an interaction with The Chronicle at his private clinic at South Suntreso, a suburb of Kumasi, Dr. Agyei was emphatic that cosmetics, especially eye shadow, are dangerous in their usage, indicating that many of the chemicals seep into the eyes through the edges, and start to irritate them.

According to him, some of them (women) can even be infected with glaucoma, which is when you have rays pressure within the eye. Dr. Agyei cautioned the public that if one dreams about using any of these products, then one must rethink of the consequences and not copy blindly.

He reminded patrons of cosmetics that “as the name implies, cosmetics is just to improve one’s appearance,” and cautioned against indulging in such acts, since perceived beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.

Giving an overview of cosmetics, the Medical Officer stated that cosmetics products, which contain combined chemical compounds, are promoted for business sake, and, therefore, do not come with the warning of the side effects of these products.

“They are not telling us about the bad side of cosmetology because there are certain compounds which harmful effects begin to take effect after long and further use, and, therefore, pretend there are no side effects.”

He said every doctor knows mercury is nephrotoxic, which is harmful to the kidneys, hence the withdrawal of many of the products, adding that mercury and barium sulphate in cosmetics products are harmful to the kidneys and the liver (hepatotoxic).

Continuing with his revelations, Dr. Agyei explained that deodorant and fragrances, which are sprayed out onto our bodies, contain gas, which we inhale while using them, saying some of the fragrances and the powders in lung problems in users.

Dr. Martin said: “We know that those who suffer from the disease known as bronchiole asthma, do not even tolerate these fragrances and react to them when they come closer, which is why elsewhere, doctors and nurses are forbidden to use them.”

He also disclosed that women suffer most from depression because they wear heavy makeup, and explained that some compounds can cause depression and mood swing, which was explained that one may be happy now, and the next two minutes, this same person is aggrieved, and noted that skin products, particularly the deodorant, has a lot of component that is absorbed into the blood vessels.

According to the dermatologist, a survey which was carried on rats, established that many chemicals compounds, particularly bituil paraben, a notorious allergic response which affects the male rats’ reproductive system, and the testerone hormone responsible for production of male sexual cells.

He warned that though cosmetics are very popular among women, it could affect their reproductive system.  “Once an observation is made on animals, the same trends can be found in humans too,” he said.

Dr. Agyei further told The Chronicle that “Most of the cosmetics products noted to cause cancer are lipsticks and eye mascara because they contain a substance called lead, and every doctor knows that lead poison can cause cancer just as mercury.

According to the specialist, cancer is one of the s why the developed world has withdrawn most of their cosmetic products from the markets, including hydroquinone. This was observed in animals and extrapolated.

Dr. Agyei said: “The message is that if you are fond of using mascara around the eye, then be reminded that you are really inviting trouble of irritation, an infection or glaucoma, for yourself.”

In a lengthy interaction with The Chronicle, Martin Agyei further revealed skin discoloration as one of the effects of cosmetics, and, as attested by most women, one realises after using some cosmetics products that the skin colour is not uniform, with some spots looking darker (disequilibrium).

He continued: “It is a vicious cycle, and the next thing you should look for is help in finding ways to remove the same dark pigment from there. So, it is a vicious cycle; you start using this, and it will give you another problem. So, you are always in their hands.”

The medical practitioner revealed that the chemical lead, which causes cancer, is also known to affect the nervous system, which consists of the brain, the spinal cord and all the branches. “Lead is very neurotoxic, which leads to a rise in blood pressure, commonly referred to as hypertension, and also induces allergic reactions and, sometimes, even behavioural abnormalities.”

The Kumasi-based dermatologist further emphasised: “Somebody may be suffering from this lead poison from the use of these cosmetics, and the behaviour may be abnormal.”

On the infertility effects of cosmetics, Dr. Agyei said: “This same lead can also decrease fertility. It is common for women to blame their infertility on the aged or some relations, when, in actual fact, it could be attributable to the use of some cosmetics products.”

Dr. Martin Agyei, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Premiere Skin Consult, has, therefore, admonished the cosmetic-loving public to be wary of what they apply to their skin. He said: “Today, you apply them and you think everything is good. It is never forever. The thing that you are praising today, is never forever. The next day, it may end up being the source of your problem,” he warned.

  From Richard Owusu-Akyaw, Kumasi Cosmetics-loving women could suffer from mental disorders, among other deadly diseases, in their quest to add value to their beauty. Users of the products also risk infertility, cancer, depression, anaemia and other diseases, Dr. Martin Agyei, a Dermatologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi warned. The use of cosmetics has […] Read Full Story