The use of topical bleaching agents among women: a cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude and practices.

Background: Although the practice of bleaching is common worldwide, there are few studies that discuss knowledge, attitudes and practices towards bleaching.
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the usage of topical bleaching agents among women.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire on the use of bleaching creams was distributed randomly to women attending the outpatient clinics at a university hospital in Saudi Arabia during 2008.
Results: Five hundred and nine of 620 women responded (82% response rate). All the participants had dark skin (skin type 4-5). The mean age was 29.22 ± 9 years. Of the participants, 38.9% (197/506) were current users of bleaching agents. Only 26.7% (106/397) of the respondents used bleaching agents for medical purposes to treat localized abnormal skin hyper-pigmentation; 20.8% (101/485) were ready to use any bleaching cream that gives fast results, even if the components were unknown. Of the respondents, 30% (152/509) used more than 100 g of bleaching creams monthly. These products were applied to the whole body in 7.3% of the cases. While 10.3% (28/271) continued applying the bleaching products during pregnancy, 20.8% (54/260) did so during lactation. No associations could be found between the various sociodemographic variables and differences in the attitude towards and practice of using bleaching creams.
Conclusion: A major proportion of our sample respondents have overused and/or misused bleaching agents. This was regardless of age, income, education or marital status. There is a need to educate women about the possible risks.
(© 2010 The Author. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2010 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)