Analysis of the surveillance results of skin diseases induced by cosmetics in 5 cities during the year 2003

Objective: To survey and analyze the prevalence of the skin diseases induced by cosmetics in 5 cities in China during the year 2003. Methods: According to the Diagnostic Criteria and Principles of Management of Skin Diseases Induced by Cosmetics (General guideline, GB 17149.1-1997) issued by the Ministry of Health Department of P.R.China, the demographic data, the history of patients with skin diseases induced by cosmetics who visited the five hospitals and the suspected cosmetics had been recorded and analyzed. Results: Total 565 cases of the skin diseases induced by cosmetics in the 5 cities during the year 2003 were reported. There were 486 cases of irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis, 8 cases of photosensitive dermatitis, 27 cases of skin discoloration, 23 cases of acne, 20 cases of hair damage and 1 case of nail damage. The suspected cosmetics included 32 brands with 196 imported products, 85 brands with 436 domestic and joint enterprise products, and 61 illegal products. Conclusions: The skin diseases induced by cosmetics show an increasing tendency during recent years in 5 cities in China. It is necessary to make more effort and take measures to monitor, control and prevent those diseases.