Study of Effect of Whitening Creams on Serum Basal Cortisol level In Egyptian Females

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between practice of whitening creams (Topical Corticosteroids) and serum cortisol level in a sample of healthy females at Ain- shams University Teaching hospital. Background Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are widely used as depigmenting agents alone or in combination with other fairness creams. Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency occurs due to deficiency of corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone) [ACTH] in the pituitary gland. With low levels of corticotropin, cortex layer in the adrenal gland is not sufficiently stimulated to release adequate amount of cortisol. Excessive glucocorticoid therapy is the primary cause of adrenocortical insufficiency. Methods we recruited 45 subjects practice whitening creams (TCs) for three months or more; matched with a healthy control group consists of 45 participants. Early morning basal serum cortisol level (8:00 am) done by one-step competitive immunoassay using Beckman Coulter device. Cortisol ELISA Kit provided by CALBIOTECH, Inc (Co_103S). Results Early morning serum cortisol level was statistically insignificant among subjects practice whitening creams in combination with TCs vs. healthy controls (p value 0.307). However, there were 7 out of 45 participants in the study group (15.6%) had low serum cortisol level (<5ug/dl) with highly statistically significant difference regarding whitening creams usage methods. In comparison and data analysis between subjects of the study group regarding practice duration, used quantity, application frequency, and method of exposure, there was high statistically significant difference between subjects with normal cortisol level vs. subjects with low cortisol level (p value <0.001). There were, no significant difference found regarding BMI, and arterial blood pressure between study group and controls. Conclusion Whitening creams abuse especially high potency TCs is a common phenomenon that may induce several local and systemic complications including adrenal gland insufficiency.