DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i10.008

Pages: 1227-1230

In sub-Saharan Africa, skin lightening with cosmetic products for aesthetic purposes is still a widespread practice, with prevalence among women varying from 25 to 67% depending on the region. The objective of this study was to describe the dermatological complications of voluntary depigmentation in women seen in dermatological consultation at the Sominé Dolo hospital in Mopti (Mali). This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from January 1 , 2024, to December 31, 2024, at the Sominé Dolo Hospital in Mopti, focusing on the cutaneous complications of voluntary skin lightening in women. This hospital is the only dermatological referral center in the Mopti region. The target population of our study consisted of female subjects aged 15 years and older who were using depigmenting cosmetic products at the time of the study. In total, 1563 patients were seen in dermatological consultation and 240 women presented with skin conditions related to the use of depigmenting cosmetic products, representing a frequency of 15.35%. Skin complications due to hydroquinone : represented 37.08% : Vitiligoid hypochromia, ochronosis, periorbital pigmentation in lorgnette. Skin complications due to topical corticosteroids accounted for 52.1% : stretch marks, skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation of the back of joints, dermatophytoses, candidal intertrigo, erysipelas, pyoderma, acne. Complications related to the use of mercurial derivatives 10.82% : Perioral dermatitis, contact dermatitis. depigmenting cosmetic products are as follows: the correction of skin irregularities, seduction, on the advice of a friend, during the preparations for a party, the influence of the media.