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Hypoadrenalism secondary to topical corticosteroid-containing skin-lightening cream: danger of over-the-counter cosmetic agents

Angela Shiao Ting Lee, Nimalie J Perera and Elizabeth L Chua
Med J Aust 2015; 203 (7): . || doi: 10.5694/mja15.00413
Published online: 5 October 2015

A 26-year-old Sudanese woman was referred to the endocrinology clinic for investigation of low serum cortisol detected during investigations for fertility difficulties. There were no symptoms or signs to suggest adrenal insufficiency, nor did she have any overt Cushingoid features to suggest exogenous glucocorticoid exposure. Her blood pressure was 120/84 mmHg without postural drop. Although she had a generalised dark complexion, her face was a lighter shade compared with the rest of her body.


  • 1 Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW
  • 2 University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW


Correspondence: angiekow@hotmail.com

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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  • 3. Wone I, Tal-Dia A, Diallo OF, et al. [Prevalence of the use of skin bleaching cosmetics in two areas in Dakar (Sénégal)] [French]. Dakar Med 2000; 45: 154-157.
  • 4. Goldstein RF, Teede HJ, Allan CA. Skin lightening cream: an emerging medical challenge. Med J Aust 2012; 196: 680. <MJA full text>

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