الفهرس 
Skin and Whitening CreamsOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are widely used as depigmenting agents alone or in combination with other fairness creams. However, its use may cause secondary adrenocortical insufficiency.
Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between practicing whitening creams (containing topical corticosteroids) and serum cortisol level in a sample of healthy Egyptian females.
Methods: Ninety females were recruited from students and employees working in Ain Shams University Hospital. Fourty five subjects practicing whitening creams (TCs) over 6 months; matched with fourty five subjects controls (none whitening creams users). Early morning basal serum cortisol level (8:00 am), blood pressure, BMI, blood glucose, serum Na, and serum K were measured.
Results: Early morning serum cortisol level was statistically insignificant among subjects practicing whitening creams with TCs vs. controls (p value 0.307). However, 7 out of 45 subjects in the study group (15.6%) exhibited low serum cortisol level (<5ug/dl) compared to (0%) of control group. Subjects with low serum cortisol level were practicing high potency TCs (betamethasone dipropionate 0.1% & clobetasol dipropionate 0.05%) frequently for prolonged duration in large surface area of the body. Highly statistical difference was elicited regarding usage methods of whitening creams (p value <0.001) among subjects with low serum cortisol level vs subjects with normal cortisol level in study group. There were, no significant difference found regarding BMI, and arterial blood pressure between study group and controls.
Conclusion: Whitening creams abuse especially high potency TCs among Egyptian females may induce adrenal gland suppression.