Lagos – A Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, says ineffective sunscreens in the Nigerian markets are contributing to the massive increase in the number of skin cancer cases.
Cole-Adeife of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, made the assertion in Lagos on Tuesday at a Stakeholders’ Advocacy for Skin Cancer Prevention in the Albinism Community, organised by La Roche-Posay, from L’Oreal International.
The programme had the theme – “Introducing Anthelios for People with Albinism and Mela B3 Serum for Sub Saharan Africa”.
Anthelios has the most efficient Ultraviolet (UV) filter against the most insidious UV rays and offers ultimate protection against deep skin cell damage.
Albinism is a genetic disorder that causes a decrease in the production of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes, which affects both male and female of all races as well as plants and animals.
According to Cole-Adeife, albinos in sub-Saharan Africa are a thousand times more likely to develop skin cancer due to partial or complete absence of melanin, than a person with normal dark skin colour.
She said “Since their skin has no melanin to protect them from the sun, they develop sunburn easily and the most dreadful is their increase risk of having several types of skin cancers.
“This is why they are always in need of sun protection in the form of sun hats, sunglasses, sun protective clothings, umbrellas, and sunscreen lotions to prevent sun damage.
“But a major problem is the lack of or limited access to sunscreens. There is the need for access to effective skin care product that is affordable.
“Fake, low-cost and ineffective sunscreens that are prevalent in our environment is contributing to the massive increase in the number of skin cancer cases we see in our clinics.
“There was this cheap, fake and ineffective sunscreen in the market. Everybody, especially persons with albinism, use it. But they end up with burns and early skin cancers,” she said.
Cole-Adeife urged person with albinism to go for regular health and skin check, use effective sunscreens in addition to sun protection clothings, hats, sunglasses and umbrellas to prevent skin cancers.
“If the skin is well managed, people with Albinism can live a comfortable, healthy and beautiful life,” she said.
Cole-Adeife appreciated the Lagos State Government for supporting the Albinism community by providing free umbrellas, hats, skin cancer creams, sunscreens and free skin cancer surgeries.
She urged other state governments to emulate the gesture to make the albinism community feel a sense of relief and belonging.
Also speaking, Mrs Beatrice Eneh, La Roche-Posay representative in Nigeria, said that the organisation had been partnering with the Nigerian dermatologists to promote skin care and health of the albinism community.
“We work and carry our researches with dermatologists in Nigeria to come up with medications that will prevent skin cancers, especially in the Albinism community,” she said.
In his remarks, Mr Jake Epelle, Founder, The Albino Foundation (TAF), said persons living with albinism in Nigeria have always had to contend with some health challenges due to the genetic condition they have.
He appreciated La Roche-Posay and Nigerian dermatologists for prioritising the health of persons with albinism.
