Ten girls have been hospitalised after using Skintocare products(SABC)
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Health authorities in KwaZulu-Natal want a skin product removed from the shelves after a number of teenagers using it were hospitalised.
The capsules are used as a skin-lightener and is believed to contain dangerous chemicals. It is imported from India and is available in most health shops.
Fourteen-year old Emma Von Bardeleben says she developed acne last year. She went to a health shop and bought SKINTOCARE capsules. The grade eight pupil says it worked wonders. But a few months later she started losing weight, vomiting and having a nose-bleed.
A blood analysis revealed lead poisoning and she was subsequently hospitalised for three weeks. Von Bardeleben says she has been getting headaches, experiencing fatigue and vomiting after partaking in sport.
“I had heart palpitations that would keep me up at night and almost give me a shock,” she says.
Nine other girls have been hospitalised in different parts of the province.
Health officials say the product has been found to contain extremely high levels of lead. They have ordered all shops that may still be offering it to stop selling it to the public.
Head of Ethekwini Health, Neil Leritte, says that it can lead to mild flu-like symptoms, with the loss of energy and overall lethargy.
“It can extend all the way to a coma if the exposure has been severe,” added Leritte.
Health authorities say anyone who has been using the product should contact a medical practitioner as soon as possible.
