Main Article Content

Abstract

Introduction. Artificial depigmentation (AD) aims to reduce the skin's natural pigmentation through the use of depigmenting products. It is a widespread phenomenon in Africa, and the motivations of its practitioners, mostly women, are not well known. The aim of this study was to determine the causes and describe the consequences among female users of depigmenting products in the Boukoki II district of Niamey. Methods. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study including women in the Boukoki II district of Niamey who practised voluntary depigmentation. Socio-demographic data and data relating to the use of depigmenting products were collected using two questionnaires, one of which was sent to women practising depigmentation and the other to health workers at the Centre Dermato-lèpre and the Centre de santé intégré de Boukoki to record complications. Results. A total of 90 female users of depigmenting products were surveyed. The 20-24 age group represented 33.33% of cases and the mean age was 28±0.5 years. Single women accounted for 46% of cases, and secondary education 43.33%. The two most common occupations were sewing (31.08%) and hairdressing (22.22%). Soap was used in 77.78% of cases, ointment in 56.7% and milks in 24.4%. The mode of supply was market (67.8%), street vendor (32.2%) and pharmacy (27.7%). The depigmenting products used were based on hydroquinone (25.6%), corticosteroids (18.9%), glutathione (2.2%) and mercury and derivatives (1.1%). Women's main reasons for depigmenting were: to be beautiful (56.7%), to attract men (37.8%), the quest for beautiful skin (31.11%), fashion (55.55%), the search for a spouse/husband (38.9%). The consequences were dermatophytes (30%), stretch marks (22.2%), acne (27.7%), dyschromia (11.1%) and skin atrophy (9%). No systemic pathologies were reported. Conclusion. Voluntary depigmentation is the preserve of young, single women on average incomes, whose main motivation is the desire to look good. Complications are mainly dermatological, such as ringworm, stretch marks and acne.

Article Details

How to Cite
Issa Abdou Kadidia, Harouna Moussa, Ouedraogo Mamadou Maimouna, Laoualy Idi Mamane Sani, Soumana Fati, Abdou Adamou, & Issaka Maimouna. (2025). Causes and Complications of Voluntary Depigmentation of Women in the Boukoki II Neighbourhood of Niamey (Niger): Causes et Complications de la Dépigmentation Volontaire Chez les Femmes du Quartier Boukoki II de Niamey (Niger). HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASE, 26(2). https://doi.org/10.5281/hsd.v26i2.6405

References

Read More

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.