Dr. Aanchal Panth, dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon, has warned about the dangers of using steroid-containing fairness creams for skin lightening. In a recent Instagram post, she explained that prolonged use of such creams can cause thinning skin, visible veins, redness, itching, burning sensations, increased facial hair, hyperpigmentation, and acne. Dr. Panth strongly advises that these products should never be used without a dermatologist’s supervision.

Key Highlights

Effects of steroid-based fairness creams

• Initial lightening effect is temporary; long-term use causes skin thinning and visible veins.

• Prolonged application leads to redness, itching, burning, and increased facial hair.

• Stopping use abruptly can result in darkening of skin and acne, creating a cycle similar to addiction.

Pharmacist advisory

• These creams are often dispensed at pharmacies as fairness creams but contain potent steroids.

• Pharmacists should educate customers about the risks and advise them to use only dermatologist-supervised products.

• Encourage patients to stop unsupervised steroid creams immediately and switch to safe alternatives.

Recovery and care recommendations

• Use bland moisturizers 3 times a day.

• Apply plain zinc oxide sunscreen multiple times during the day.

• Use a gentle cleanser only at night.

• Soothing gels with Centella Asiatica, green tea, or panthenol may help.

• Consult a dermatologist for evaluation and possible oral medications for faster recovery.

Public health takeaway

• Misuse of steroid-based creams poses serious dermatological risks.

• Pharmacists play a key role in preventing unsupervised use and guiding safe alternatives.

• Recovery may take 3 months to 1 year, depending on severity.

Steroid-containing fairness creams are highly unsafe for unsupervised use. Pharmacists should actively educate customers, identify potentially harmful products, and advise consultation with dermatologists to avoid long-term skin damage and complications.