- HSA warns about dangerous skin cream “Touch Skin by Dermacare Skin Relief Treatment Cream”.
- The cream contains a potent steroid that needs doctor’s supervision.
- A woman in her 50s suffered severe skin reactions after using the cream.
Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) alerts the public about a skin cream that could harm users.
Key Terms Simplified
- Betamethasone valerate is a strong medicine used to treat skin problems, but it can be dangerous if not used correctly.
- Topical steroid withdrawal is when skin gets worse after stopping use of steroid creams.
- Cushing’s syndrome is a health problem that can happen when people use too much steroid medicine or use it for too long.
HSA Finds Dangerous Ingredient in Skin Cream
On 26 August 2024, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore warned about a skin cream.
The cream is called “Touch Skin by Dermacare Skin Relief Treatment Cream“.
HSA found it contains a strong steroid called betamethasone valerate.
This steroid needs a doctor’s supervision to use safely.
The cream was sold to treat skin problems like eczema and insect bites.
Woman Suffers Severe Skin Reaction
A woman in her 50s used the cream for about 8 years on her face.
She stopped using it and noticed bad skin reactions two days later.
She went to see a doctor.
The doctor found severe inflammation and other problems from using the cream.
According to HSA, “Consumers are advised to see a doctor as soon as possible if you are using ‘Touch Skin by Dermacare Skin Relief Treatment Cream’ (or any of the creams mentioned above).”
Dangers of Unsupervised Steroid Use
Betamethasone valerate can cause serious side effects if used wrongly.
These side effects include:
- Skin thinning
- Topical steroid withdrawal
- High blood pressure
- Cataracts
- Cushing’s syndrome
People who stop using the cream suddenly may get worse skin problems.
This is called topical steroid withdrawal.
HSA’s Warning to the Public
HSA warns people not to buy skin creams from unknown sources.
They found many creams with similar dangerous ingredients.
These creams often target young children.
HSA said, “Sellers and suppliers must stop selling these products immediately.”
The public can report illegal sales to HSA at Tel: 6866-3485.
Legal Consequences for Sellers
| Offense | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Selling products adulterated (contaminated) with steroids | Up to 3 years in jail and/or fines up to S$100,000 |
HSA is serious about stopping these dangerous creams.
They said, “HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with steroids.”
Advice for Consumers
If you use “Touch Skin by Dermacare Skin Relief Treatment Cream”, stop using it.
See a doctor as soon as possible.
Do not use unverified products for skin problems.
Always seek medical advice for chronic skin conditions.
Be careful when buying skin creams online or from unknown sources.
HSA urges the public to be careful about skin creams and to report any suspicious products.
