Medicos warn against cosmetic products

Chennai: In the wake of rise in cases of adverse effects of cosmetic products as revealed in a report released by Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), doctors express their concern on cases of severe allergy, rashes, pigmentation, nausea, irritation and even cancer caused due to this.

Allergies are a common problem among youngsters using cosmetics, especially hair and skin care products, doctors say, adding that this can be avoided if trials are taken before their usage and products are regulated by authorities.

“People have to take trials before applying cosmetics products directly to minimise its ill-effects. Adolescents take to the use of skin-whitening creams and powders without prescription, which can be harmful for the skin due to chemical content in those products,” said skin care expert Dr M. Manimegalai.

People complain of pigmentation and rashes caused due to regular exposure to cosmetics. Rashi Raju, an 18-year old girl, said she suffered from severe eye infection after using a particular shampoo. “My eyes became red and were tearing continuously for three days after I used a shampoo. I could identify the reason only after I visited a doctor.”

Dermatologists warn against the usage of cosmetics that are not prescribed by skin and personal care experts as they can cause severe consequences. They also demand setting up of a regulatory body that can carry out tests of such products and classify products as edible and non-edible. Experts urge people to use organic, skin-friendly and herbal products as alternatives. “We apply several cosmetics all over the body almost daily but we need to make sure that they undergo serious checks before they get into our hands. Cosmetics are not approved before they enter the market. Products should be certified by experts after testing them for their usage by individuals,” said Dr A.R. Shanti, member of Doctors’ Association of Social Equality.