UNSUPERVISED USE OF CREAMS CONTAINING POTENT STEROIDS
"Long-term unsupervised use of such creams can cause hypersensitivity reactions, thinning of the skin and topical steroid withdrawal syndrome (burning, itching and redness following sudden stopping of prolonged use of topical steroids)," said HSA.
It added that the creams "may also be absorbed into the body and cause serious adverse effects when applied to large areas of the skin or used over a prolonged period".
Such effects include high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, an increased risk of infections, and Cushing’s syndrome.
Cushing's syndrome is characterised by a round face or "moon face" appearance and upper body obesity with thin limbs.
HSA urged those using the Touch Skin by DermaCare cream to see a doctor as soon as possible.
"Sudden stopping of the steroid-containing creams without medical supervision may worsen underlying skin conditions or cause topical steroid withdrawal symptoms such as burning, redness, itching or peeling of skin," it said.
HSA also noted that over the past two years, it had detected an increase in the number of creams marketed for skin conditions like rash, eczema and psoriasis.
However, these products, including Touch Skin by DermaCare, Special Skin Treatment, Star Cream, JolicareTM (Original, Baby and Collagen) and EUZEMA Confidence Revival Cream, were found to have been adulterated with steroids and other potent medicinal ingredients.
The majority of the creams were used in young children and sold on websites, e-commerce platforms, social media platforms and in one case, by a peddler in a makeshift stall, HSA said.
"As young children are more susceptible to the effects of adulterants such as steroids, they suffered serious adverse effects from the use of these creams," it added.
"All sellers and suppliers must stop selling these products immediately."
The authority reminded consumers to exercise caution when buying from dubious or unfamiliar sources or online sources.
Adulterated products are often manufactured under poor conditions with no quality control, and different batches of the same product may contain variable amounts of ingredients and/or different types of adulterants, it said.
Instead, consumers should only purchase health products from reputable pharmacies or retailers' websites, as well as those with an established retail presence in Singapore.
"HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with banned substances, potent ingredients or toxic heavy metals beyond the allowable limits," said the authority.
If convicted, sellers and suppliers may be jailed for up to three years, fined up to S$100,000, or both.
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