Study of Effect of Whitening Creams on Serum Cortisol Level In Egyptian Females At Ain-Shams University Hospital

Abstract

Appearance and skin color are main judgmental factors for worth of the women; they try to be lighter by several ways though skin color is a fixed feature. Belief in the "white is right" ideology which has been transmitted by western culture. In addition, that people with dark skin are considered low intelligent. Skin whitening attributes to the practice, that inherent in many ethnic groups, of using natural or synthetic substances to light the skin tone or provide an even complexion by reducing the melanin concentration in the skin. Many complications may induced by whitening creams. Some of the common complications are allergic contact dermatitis; Steroid induced monomorphic acne, exogenous ochronosis, Diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, and a broad spectrum of cutaneous and endocrinological complications of corticosteroids such as hypertension, hypercorticism and including suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).