In response to the growing prevalence of unlicensed practitioners and unsafe practices in Nigeria’s beauty industry, Professor Dasetima Altraide, President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, has stressed the urgent need for comprehensive cosmetic laws and regulations.
Altraide expressed grave concern over the alarming increase in unlicensed beauty professionals, which he believes has led to a surge in skin complications and failed procedures. He warned that if these trends continue, many Nigerians face serious health risks, including complications from the use of bleaching products and treatments that may result in stretch marks, fungal and bacterial infections, and potentially life-threatening conditions such as HIV and hepatitis.
“The lack of enforcement of cosmetic regulations has allowed unlicensed foreign practitioners to operate freely, often charging exorbitant fees in foreign currency to train unsuspecting Nigerians,” Altraide noted. He highlighted the dangers posed by these practitioners, who not only provide inadequate training but also conduct unsafe procedures in pop-up clinics and beauty fairs, often promoted through social media.
The increasing trend of body piercings and tattoos has further exacerbated concerns regarding safety standards in local beauty shops. According to the Mayo Clinic, unsanitary piercing equipment can lead to severe bloodborne diseases, including hepatitis B, C, and tetanus. The National AIDS, Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme reports that Nigeria bears a significant burden of chronic hepatitis infections, yet many citizens remain unaware of their health status until it is too late.
Earlier reports have indicated that unregulated beauty parlors contribute to rising hepatitis B and HIV transmission rates in the country. The current legal framework governing cosmetic products, specifically the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control Act, 2023, mandates certain standards for the manufacture and sale of these products. However, the requirements for obtaining a cosmetology license in Nigeria appear minimal, raising questions about effective oversight.
Altraide also pointed out the proliferation of unqualified practitioners performing complex procedures, such as chemical peels and laser therapy, without proper training. This has led to an increase in complications treated in dermatology clinics. He cited a recent case involving a high-profile individual who suffered severe burns after receiving treatment from an unlicensed aesthetician, as well as a troubling report from the United States where three women contracted HIV following an unsafe cosmetic procedure.
“The unregulated nature of the beauty industry presents significant risks regarding the quality of care and the qualifications of practitioners,” Altraide stated. He denounced self-proclaimed dermatologists lacking formal medical training and certification, emphasizing that dermatologists are qualified medical doctors capable of addressing over 3,000 skin, hair, and nail conditions.
To mitigate these risks, Altraide urged Nigerians to thoroughly investigate the qualifications of beauty service providers. He recommended that individuals seek services from licensed aestheticians for minor treatments while referring more complex issues to qualified dermatologists. He also called for increased public awareness, encouraging citizens to utilize the resources available on the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists’ website to verify the credentials of dermatology professionals.
As the beauty industry continues to grow, the need for stringent regulation and consumer education becomes ever more critical to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians seeking cosmetic treatments.
Related topic:
How Can I Restore Collagen In My Face?
11 Best At-Home Microdermabrasion Kits of 2024
