bbc.com
Nigerian Mother's Regret: Skin-Lightening Creams Harm Children
A Nigerian mother regrets using skin-lightening creams on her six children, causing severe burns and discoloration, highlighting the widespread, harmful practice driven by societal pressures and lack of regulation.
- What are the immediate health consequences for children whose skin is lightened using unregulated creams in Nigeria?
- In Kano state, Nigeria, a mother, Fatima, used skin-lightening creams on her six children, causing burns and discoloration. Pressured by family to lighten her children's skin, she now deeply regrets her actions, as her children suffer from skin damage, including burns, scarring, and slow-healing wounds.
- What societal factors contribute to the widespread use of skin-lightening products among women in Nigeria and other African countries?
- The incident highlights the widespread use of skin-lightening products in Nigeria, driven by societal pressures associating lighter skin with higher status. 77% of Nigerian women regularly use such products, according to the WHO, with even higher rates in other African countries. The creams often contain harmful substances like corticosteroids, hydroquinone, and mercury, causing various health problems.
- What long-term strategies are necessary to address the pervasive issue of skin lightening in Nigeria, considering the health risks and social stigma associated with it?
- The Nigerian agency Nafdac declared a state of emergency in 2023 due to the severity of the issue. While efforts are underway to raise awareness and crack down on illegal sales, challenges remain in identifying unregulated ingredients. The long-term impact includes not only physical harm but also the psychological distress faced by children, like Fatima's daughters, who experienced social stigma and lost potential partners due to skin discoloration mistaken for drug use.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the negative consequences of skin lightening, particularly the harm caused to children. The headline and opening paragraphs immediately introduce Fatima's regret and the visible harm to her children. This prioritization shapes reader interpretation by focusing on the tragic outcome rather than providing a balanced view of the complex social and cultural factors involved. While this approach is impactful in highlighting the dangers, it might unintentionally oversimplify the problem.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language to describe the effects of skin lightening creams, such as "visible burns" and "bleeding wounds." While accurately conveying the severity of the consequences, this language might exaggerate the negative aspects and influence reader perceptions. More neutral terms like "skin discoloration" or "skin lesions" could provide a more balanced portrayal, while still conveying the gravity of the situation. The repeated use of phrases like "deep regret" and similar terms emphasizes the negative consequences.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative consequences of skin lightening creams, providing numerous examples of harm caused to children. However, it omits perspectives that could offer a more nuanced understanding. For example, it doesn't explore the economic pressures that might drive women to use these products, such as job market discrimination favoring lighter skin tones. Additionally, the article doesn't discuss potential cultural factors beyond familial pressure that contribute to the widespread use of these creams, such as media portrayals of beauty standards. While acknowledging space limitations, these omissions limit a complete understanding of the issue's complexity.
False Dichotomy
The article implicitly presents a false dichotomy by focusing primarily on the negative effects of skin lightening, thereby neglecting to discuss potential benefits or alternative viewpoints. While the harmful effects are significant, completely ignoring any possible perceived advantages might oversimplify the situation and fail to engage with the motivations behind this practice.
Gender Bias
The article primarily focuses on women's use of skin lightening creams and their impact on their children. While it mentions men's role in perpetuating the preference for lighter skin, this aspect is not deeply explored. The article could benefit from exploring how societal expectations and gender roles influence the pressure on women to use these creams. The focus remains on the women experiencing the negative consequences rather than a broader examination of gender dynamics influencing this issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the severe health consequences of using skin-lightening creams, including burns, skin discoloration, scarring, and impaired wound healing in children. The use of unregulated ingredients like mercury and hydroquinone leads to long-term health issues like dermatitis, inflammatory disorders, mercury poisoning, and kidney damage. This directly contradicts SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.